is this anxiety?

is this anxiety?
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vaguy
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Apr 13, 2005, 5:45 PM

Post #1 of 13 (1023 views)
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is this anxiety?	Quote \| Reply

I am glad I found this forum and I do hope to hear from some of you. I
am not sure how to start here but I will try my best to keep this as
brief as possible. I suppose I am dealing with high anxiety but am not
exactly sure and if so then I am not exactly sure why. I have had
counseling and was given anxiety medications (Paxil and a couple of
other drugs I cannot remember) but they seem to exacerbate my problem
instead of helping. Some symptoms I have are tremors, feeling on edge
at times (if folks walk up from behind and touch me I jump very
easily), tiredness, feeling foggy in my head, etc. I also realize I
have some emotional problems from the past and have sought counseling
in dealing with these- loneliness and fear of failure etc. I finally
have a few friends at this point in my life and feel relatively
content in where I am at but still I continue to have the weakness and
tremors. A few years ago I used to work out but now I cannot because
of the shaking. It seems to put stress on my nervous system and takes
me a while to recover. At one point my doctor thought I had Muscular
Dystrophy because of the symptoms but thankfully the testing was
negative. I told her at that point I would try counseling for the
social problems which helped somewhat. Another piece to add to the
puzzle is that I have very bad allergies - dust mites and house dust -
and currently have a follow up with my doctor to see what is next. I
have been on allergy shots in the past but stopped a few years ago
(although I still take Zyrtec for congestion and Entex to loosen it at
night). Because of my allergies I rarely sleep over 4 hours any given
night and occasionally am up taking medication to open my head up
before returning to bed. I have enclosed my mattress and box springs
and pillows just last week but honestly this week has been pretty bad
for my allergies. I guess my question is could this lack of sleep for
so many years result in high levels of anxiety as I have described
above? Again, I am thinking the emotional aspect of my life could play
into all of this but I am not sure on where to go from here.

smithn
User / Moderator

Apr 13, 2005, 10:06 PM

Post #2 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re: is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

The Paxil and "other meds you cannot remember" might be playing a role
in your having the tremors and weakness. You might be having an
adverse reaction to one or more of these medications. Also, Paxil is
prescribed as treatment for depression not anxiety. What about trying
Ativan? It's important to get back in touch with your doctor so that
any adjustments made come from a professional who is familiar with
your heath history. Don't give up. In your note, it sounds to me as if
you have actually improved over time - socially and otherwise.

bkdaniels
User / Moderator

Apr 22, 2005, 7:17 PM

Post #3 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re:is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hey vaguy, how are you doing? Acute anxiety can effectively be
treated with the passage of time, social support, and a short course
of fast-acting anxiolytics, preferably a benzodiazepine. Chronic
anxiety often requires a comprehensive approach utilizing
psychotherapy, counseling, and a wider spectrum of anxiolytics (eg,
benzodiazepines, buspirone, antidepressants). When pathologic, it
can exist as a primary disorder, or it can be associated with medical
illness, neurologic syndromes, or other primary psychiatric illnesses
(eg, depression, psychosis). The 3 major theories regarding the
etiology of anxiety are the psychoanalytical, behavioral, and
biological theories. A patient with a classic panic attack
experiences at least 4 of the following symptoms: palpitations,
diaphoresis, tremulousness, shortness of breath, chest pain,
dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, fear of injury or going
crazy, derealization (perception of altered reality), and
depersonalization (perception that one's body is surreal). All anxious
patients with suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or acute
psychosis require emergent psychiatric consultation. For excellent
patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Anxiety Center. Also,
see eMedicine's patient education articles, Anxiety, Panic Attacks,
and Hyperventilation. www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/18885-1.asp
Best wishes,

vaguy
New User

Apr 23, 2005, 11:05 PM

Post #4 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re:is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hey, thanks for the info. I am hoping to see my doctor soon about some
of these options. My symptons sound a lot like the generalized anxiety
disorder. I am optimistic I can find something to help me out.

smithn
User / Moderator

Apr 24, 2005, 9:33 AM

Post #5 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re:is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Vaguy, your allergy medications can also have side affects that give
you the feeling of being "jumpy" etc. Antihistamines and decongestants
can all have this affect. Do you exercise? A few years back I was
having anxiety problems including some of the symptoms that you
mentioned. It's hard to describe the feeling to one who has never
experienced it (because the "normal" person who has never dealt with
this condition personally thinks you're nuts) but the feelings are
real and you soon tend to believe that something is wrong with you
medically. My doctor thought I was an idiot when I told him things
like, "I feel nervous all the time, I sweat for no reason, I worry
about dying, I think there's a problem in my brain, I think it's my
heart, I can't stop concentrating on how I am breathing (and what
keeps me breathing), my heart is skipping beats sometimes and racing
at other times" ...........the list goes on. I changed some situations
in my life that were causing my anxiety problems, starting to exercise
to release a bunch of stress, and the anxiety never returned. Looking
back, I don't know how I was ever there. It's an awful thing so I feel
for you. The key word I see coming from you here is that you are
optimistic. That is so great! I'm sure there are changes that you can
make in your life that will help you greatly!

vaguy
New User

Apr 26, 2005, 4:39 PM

Post #6 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re:is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

smithn, I used to even work out a bit (just some free weights) but I
had to quit because it made me super edgy. It seemed to really work
against my nervous system making me more jumpy. I had been walking a
lot but lately I have cut down quite a bit. I do intend to start up
again that soon and that really does help me. Also, maybe some of
you can tell me what kind of doctor can prescribe some type of anti
anxiety drug? Can my family doctor.. neurologist or just who? Once I
was seeing a counselor who prescribed some but I am no longer seeing
him. I want to try some just for a bit to see if that helps.

smithn
User / Moderator

Apr 26, 2005, 5:14 PM

Post #7 of 13 (1023 views)
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Re:is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Your family doctor would most likely be the best person to ask. Your
neurologist could also but your neurologist is a specialist who may or
may not follow you regularly throughout your lifetime whereas your
family doctor does and knows your complete history. I know that
sometimes there is no other option but I would suggest that you try
every other option than resorting to taking any medication for your
anxiety since it is, after all, a medication. With any medication,
there can be side effects and you don't need to add to your symptoms.
Then again, you might not experience any adverse reaction at all from
them. Anyhow, I hope you'll be back on track soon. Let us know how it
goes!

NONE
Novice

Jun 5, 2005, 2:54 PM

Post #8 of 13 (1000 views)
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Re: [vaguy] is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi how are you doing?
I had lots of trouble with anxiety and depression about 8 years ago. A friend who has gone through the same thing told me to see a psychiatrist and that was the best advice. I have no trouble with the symtoms anymore. If I do get them I know what to do and they go away. I had all the same symptoms as you and I saw a cardiologist, a neurologist, an allergy doctor along with my regular doctor and it never helped. After I started to see a psychiatrist he got me on the right medication and I have continued to see him since. I am on only a low dose of one med now and it couldn't be better. I thought that psychiatrists did counceling but mine only does meds and that is his specialty. I would never trust a regular physican again with those meds because you do need an expert in my opinion because of the different effects they can have. All I can say is I thought my life was over 8 years ago and now I feel like I'm starting life all over again seeking a new career and enjoying each day.

Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jun 13, 2005, 8:25 PM

Post #9 of 13 (942 views)
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Re: [vaguy] is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I strongly suggest focusing on your allergies. You might have an underlying food allergy that is triggering the reaction to dust mites, etc.-- dairy is a big culprit! Talk to your doctor about the other offenders. Cut all of them out of your diet for a while and then reintroduce them one at a time and look for a reaction. This is something proactive that you can do on your own. I would imagine that a severe allergy could wear on your system and produce some of the symptoms you are describing.

Timmy Jobs
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timmyjobs@inbox.lv

Jan 28, 2006, 6:57 AM

Post #10 of 13 (228 views)
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Re: [vaguy] Is it anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Lately I think I've started having anxiety or panic attacks, but I'm not sure. Twice this week my heart began racing out of control, like I was afraid of something but I don't know what. Along with that I had a sinking feeling. Kind of a very unworldly, lonely feeling. I was really concerned that I might be going crazy. I thought about seeing a doctor but am more worried I�d just be put on some medication.
I found a list of anxiety symptoms at www.selftherapy.org , which has calmed me down a bit as it's sounds quite like what I�m experiencing. Has anyone every tried that program? Or have any other suggestions? Does this sound like anxiety??

Guest
Anonymous Poster
chillout_disturbed@yahoo.com

Feb 1, 2006, 7:52 AM

Post #11 of 13 (220 views)
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Re: [vaguy] is this anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Lately I think I've started having anxiety or panic attacks, but I'm not sure. Twice this week my heart began racing out of control, like I was afraid of something but I don't know what. Along with that I had a sinking feeling. Kind of a very unworldly, lonely feeling. I was really concerned that I might be going crazy. I thought about seeing a doctor but am more worried Id just be put on some medication. I found a list of anxiety symptoms at www.selftherapy.org , which has calmed me down a bit as it's sounds quite like what I am experiencing. Has anyone every tried that program? Or have any other suggestions? Does this sound like anxiety?

smithn
User / Moderator

Feb 26, 2006, 3:10 PM

Post #12 of 13 (177 views)
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Re: [Timmy Jobs] Is it anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Sounds like it's a combination between anxiety and depression. Do you ever exercise? You can get rid of a lot of built up energy, frustration, etc. if with a good daily work out and/or brisk walk. I would stay away from any self-help therapies that offer herbal remedies. Remember too, that, if you end up taking something for anxiety or depression, that only helps with the physical symptoms. You might need one on one therapy to find some answers which can help you overcome any problems you might be having. There's nothing wrong or shameful in that. Try to limit your intake of caffiene and salt. How is your blood pressure? Is it usually within a normal range? 140/90 or above is considered Hypertensive and that condition can also give you feelings of anxiety or heart palpitations.

Guest
Anonymous Poster

Mar 20, 2006, 9:44 PM

Post #13 of 13 (135 views)
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Re: [Timmy Jobs] Is it anxiety? [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

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