Symptoms & Meds for Anxiety

[hirwin]

Hello.  For the last 2 yrs. I believe I have been suffering from anxiety/panic attacks.  I have a heart condition so of course when these symptoms started I immediately thought it was my heart condition, which has made the anxiety worse.  I have been suffering w/ vertigo, memory loss, and other things.  I have seen 2 cardiologists that tell me my heart condition hasn't changed and these problems are not heart-related.  I also saw an ENT, who said my ears do not seem to be the problem either, but has ordered some vestibular testing to be sure.  A few weeks ago my PCP ordered a carotid artery dopler, which came back normal, with no obstruction, plaque or stenosis in the carotid arteries, so I guess blood flow to my brain is not an issue.  The vertigo is on a daily basis off an on throughout the day.  I often feel like I'm swaying back and forth or the room is swaying.  Almost like you feel when you get off a boat and have to adjust to being on land again.  I also have what I believe to be panic attacks.  These usually occur while going to a crowded place, such as a restaraunt or store.  I will get the vertigo twice as bad and feel as though I'm going to fall over, I get a hot flash that runs through my body usually from the ground up and then through my neck which results in a pressure in my head, my palms and soles of my feel begin to sweat and I feel like I have to leave the place immediately.  Once I'm out of the situation I feel much better and calm down.  My PCP prescribed Xanax for me to take as needed at .25 mg.  It does help but I don't feel it's enough.  My questions are, can anxiety / panic attacks cause all of these symptoms and what meds are good to take for daily control w/ the xanax?  I have taken Prozac before after the birth of my son because I had PPD and stopped it after awhile.  A few years ago I took Effexor becuause my gyn. thought I was depressed after filling out some questionaire.  I almost immediately gained 20 lbs. and if I was depressed before that I was then.  I weaned myself off and am still trying to lose the weight.  Thank you for any help or suggestions!

[Paxiled]

Kraggy is right, it's against the code of ethics for therapists to talk to anyone about your problems, and a legal violation of privacy laws.  Please, go talk to a therapist.  It's long past the years when there was any stigma attached to talking to a therapist.

[Kraggy]

Dear Hirwin,

About the part about Therapist knowing people that you know aswell.

You should really have some faith in the therapists, Allow me to give an example that I noticed in the past few weeks.

Me, My mother and My father all had to visit the Doctor several times, in the same month or so. Me for my fears, my mother for kidney stones, and my father for a nasty wound, which caused blood poisoning.

I was first, and I talked to the doctor alot about my condition, but not as much with my parents, I did not want to worry them to much and such.

When my mother had to visit him, she asked what was wrong with me, The doctor refused to even let loose the smallest detail about my problems, and said she should discuss it with me instead. Same goes for my Father.

I am fairly sure that the same goes for the Therapists pretty much everywhere, I am still young, only just turned 20, So I do not know alot about it. But I am fairly sure that Therapists are forced to keep things Confidential by the law?

Anyways, I hope you'll feel better really soon!

Kind Regards,

Kraggy.

[hirwin]

i went to my PCP the other day and she has prescribed Prozac 20 mg. once a day to go w/ my xanax..  does this sound like a good combo?  

I have not talked w/ a therapist.  They are few and far between in my small town and most of them know everyone I know and I know wouldn't be confidential.  I may actually break down though and think about it.  I wish I could talk to someone!!

[cj29]

I am sorry that you are having a difficult time with anxiety right now.  In my opinion, anxiety can cause a whole myriad of symptoms.  You did the right thing by going to get checked out, but you must believe your doctors in my opinion.  In other words you can spend so much time searching for something that is not there.  Throughout all of this, have you ever been able to talk this through with a therapist?  I am a big proponent of talk therapy because it enables one to gain long term knowledge about this cycle of thinking and there is validity to the saying, "knowledge is power" when dealing with this...keep us posted!