Is Constant Agitation Due To Anxiety

[4Maddie44]

For the last couple of months I have been suffering with agitation.  I am not on any prescribed medication, so it cannot be due to that.  I have been off anti depressant medication for 9 months, on my doctor's advice, and was doing well.  The anti depressant did stop the anxiety and depression.

Can anyone tell me if agitation is due to anxiety.  I feel my heart racing all the time, and feel as if I am on the adrenalin rush that you get with the fear and flight syndrome.  Is there any way I can calm myself down.  I try all sorts of things, like breathing exercises, and resting, and walking, but with no help.  I yesterday bought some herbal pills from a health food shop called "Quiet Life" which contains Hops, Motherwort, Passiflora, Valerian, Lettuce, and some B vitamins.  I also take Omega 3 and Vit B complex.  Has any experience of this kind of tablet, and did it help?  I only started them yesterday, and it said it could take time to take effect, rather like anti depressants.

I would be grateful if someone could just help with this agitation problem.  I have always wanted to help myself over anxiety, and am very, very reluctant to go to the doctor about this.  I want to handle it myself, but agitation is so very tiring.

[4Maddie44]

Perhaps it is not agitation.  It is just this constant jittery feeling in my chest.  I am not short tempered or snippy, just feel restless.

I mentioned taking a herbal supplement.  I think it is helping.  May be placebo effect, but that's OK.  Just feel less agitated.  

Thank you Paxiled for all your help.  I know I have gone and on about my anxiety.  Thank you all for your response.  It helps me so much.  

As for exercise, I am 73 and have arthritis.  But I walk nearly every day for about an hour.  That is the only exercise I do really.  But I do love walking.  There is heathland near where I live and every day I go there and it is so peaceful.  I really do try and help myself.  I have no car, so walk a lot.  

At the moment I do not want to go to see a doctor.  I am trying hard to cope by myself.  

Paxiled I have taken n ote of your suggestions.  Sounds a good idea.  Thank you so much.  You are so kind and helpful.  You too nursegirl always there for others with such helpful and understanding advice.  Bless you all.

Medhelp my saviour.

[Paxiled]

I would try some ashwagandha and/or holy basil, which are very good at balancing cortisol output from your adrenal glands.  They're very likely very tired from all that effexor and it's targeting of norepinephrine.

[nursegirl6572]

Hey Maddie!

I'm so sorry to hear you're having these issues.  It sounds like it could be anxiety.  You describe more anxiousness and restlessness versus agitation.  Agitation is more being snippy, short tempered, disagreeable, difficult, along with the restlessness.

It COULD very much be a reemergence of issues now that you're off the Effexor.  Unfortunately, it's all too common for people to find out that their symptoms make a reappearance at some point after coming off the medication.  Try not to get too focused on that, and if you eventually decide to go back on the Effexor, don't look at it as a negative.  It just may be that you need the Effexor long term, which is okay.  If anything, you've done an awesome job giving this a shot without medication, and until recently, you've done pretty well.

Have you tried an increase in exercise?  I'm not talking marathon running, but ramping up your activity level, getting your heart rate up, may help to alleviate some of the anxiousness.

Hopefully Paxiled will comment, he would be the one to give you some ideas on a more natural approach to trying to treat this, before you consider going back on the Effexor.  Of course, keep your doctor in the loop, let him know how you're feeling.  Keep US updated too, okay?  I'm here if you need to talk, PM me anytime!  Thinking of you, and praying that you start feeling better very soon!

[4Maddie44]

I don't think I have anything to be anxious about.  I am retired and lead a quiet life.  No worries of any kind.  Doctor just thought as I had been on anti depressants for 20+ years I would maybe be OK without.

Only symptom I get is agitation and sometimes a racing heart.  Otherwise seem to be doing well.  

I do go for walks, every day, which also helps with my arthritis pain.  Love the fresh air, and hate not to get out of the house.  

I keep myself occupied when at home, and belong to a senior citizen group.  I go for bus rides, and do as much as I can to help myself.  

Suppose my body does not like being off the Effexor, which took away both anxiety and depression.  Loathe to go back on medication, or see doctor, but may nhave to.

Thanks for your responses.  Helps a lot.  

[Timewalker]

I am not a physician but have suffered from anxiety most of my adult life. It certainly sounds as if your symptoms could be anxiety related.  Anxiety can manifest itself in all manner of physical symptoms, including racing heart, feeling as if you're not getting enough air, numbness in the arms, elevated blood pressure as well as the fear and flight syndrome you mentioned.

I would strongly advise you to see your doctor as soon as possible.  He or she will be able to help you find relief.  In the meantime, I have found it useful to go for walks, visit with people, in in person or on the telephone.  If you have hobbies, those are also useful in taking your mind off whatever is bothering you.  But do see your doctor.

[cj29]

Did your doctor say whyhe took you off of the anit depressant if it was working for you?  

Anxiety can cause all sorts of physical and mental symptoms in my experience with it.  Do you meet with a therapist to talk about your anxiety?  For me the most critical step I took in dealing with the anxiety was to learn about it so I could confront it.