New, feeling freaked out

[naturemom1108]

Hi, I'm a 45 year old woman who's come to realize I have been suffering from anxiety of one sort or another my whole life. A few years back the panic attacks started, I went on Cymbalta, it helped a lot. I went off (VERY SLOWLY) and still had bad withdrawal symptoms (felt like killing myself, but knew intellectually why so I was able to overcome), once that part was over I was really good for about a year. Then about a month ago, I had another panic attack, then a few more. Then about a week ago- wham! Debilitating anxiety, esp. in the morning.I don't want to leave the house. My symptoms include severe nausea (which is my biggest issue always because I have always suffered from emetophobia- fear of throwing up), tensing up of everything, heavy beating heart. No pains or breathing problems except when I'm in the middle of my anxiety I can't breathe deep.

Doc put me on Celexa a week ago and it doesn't seem to be helping in fact it is making me feel pretty bad. I can hardly eat, I am nauseous (but I can't figure if that is the meds or anxiety) I get diarrhea some mornings and have a low grade headache all day. I also have Xanax to take, but I keep trying to take a really low amount because I don't want to get addicted (I have a .25mg dose).  I try not to take more than 1 1/2 per day, but this morning's anxiety was SOOO bad I ended up taking two.It's the only thing right now that makes me feel better. I'm thinking about going back on Cymbalta, but I'm afraid of the withdrawl symptoms, but I am also figuring I might be on it for the rest of my life anyways...? Panic/anxiety runs in my family big time. I have 6 sisters and 3 of them are on meds for panic/anxiety and my Mom too. We are a mess. I am a mess.

I have 3 great kids, a good job, a wonderful husband and I feel like I am losing it. I feel like I am going crazy. I am exhausted from the constant anxiety and trying to breathe, distract, face it- I've tried it all. I'm going to a therapist tonight, so maybe that'll help. I just wanted to vent and "be around" people that understand. I'm feeling pretty lonely right now.

[mariabianca]

Hi. I have OCD too & take Effexor XR with no side effects. I am a TOTAL wreck when I am off my meds. As a matter of fact I was off them for a while & just got back on them. While off of them my OCD HIV kicked in where I had a severe panic attack and not even the sex. The OCD stopped me from having it. Anyway, I have learned that i am no good off my meds & needs to stay on them no matter what. I am able to think logically while off of them but it doesn't matter because the fear, anxiety & panic rule. When I'm on the meds, they disappear & only the logic remains

[Embrace123]

Hope you feel better today