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13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Red

There are a number of tricyclics. Each geared more or less to specific problems. The one most commonly used is Trimipramine. I know quite a few people who have used it at one or another time. It is more mood stabilizer than anti depressant. The one I take is geared to prevent suicidal thoughts in people who are in a lot of pain. It is easy to become negative when in a lot of pain. It's name is desipramine. Same class different use. As I  mentioned elsewhere It works on Dopamine instead of Seratonin. If SSRIs make you sick or just absolutely do nothing for you but you are still depressed then maybe a TCA would work, you can only ask your doctor I have used Propranolol but it isn't strong enough to control my pulse. So I am using atenolol. Which doesn't work as well for anxiety but works better for my BP. Beta blockers of these classes are reserved for people with normal or slightly elevated BP.
I mentioned it else where that I thought you were progressing a bit too fast. If you just are having too much trouble being patient then ask about a TCA. You will never know whether it will work till you try it.
An interesting aside here. I was reading a journal I wrote back in 1975. I had anxiety then pretty bad but didn't know what it was.

Davit. Getting by as best as I can.
13 years ago 0 112 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Cleo,
So glad to see you slept well....that in itself is a god send. I began a support group on the 7 of March and it does help. They cover alot of what you see here on the site and being surrounded by people who are going through the same thing and sometimes worse really puts things into perspective. If you have a Mental Health organization in your area just call them and they should be able to give you the information you need and maybe even put you on the list. Other than that ask your doctor he/she should know who to contact and may even give you a referral.
A friend of mine also lent me her book , it also included a relaxation CD. I'm sure you could probably find loads of information at your local library.
 
As for the meds well alot of that depends on you and your personal health history. I take amitriptyline , this is an anti-depressant that also helps with sleep and  pain ( for me anyways), and I hope that someday I can get off of that too.
I also got a medication to help me, just for a little while, to sleep and to cover the anxiety better.
 
 I still think my inability to sleep has alot to do with my change of life but for no sleep means unbearable anxiety.
 
Lots of luck!
 
 
13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Cleo.

I still see a therapist. It is funny because I drag myself there saying in my mind that I am fine and don't need this. But once I get there and start talking then I realize I am still hiding things that I don't want to deal with. I leave there feeling ten feet tall and bullet proof. If a therapist doesn't work for you then try a different one because they can do wonders for you. They are trained for this. We try here to make you feel like you are going to be Ok and although we know you will be we are still only holding your hand. A therapist can do so much more. The same with a group. Face to face is so much more real than reading about it. That is me on the horse. It is a picture of a time that meant a lot to me. A reminder that I once was very happy and can be again. My therapist is trying to start a group here but people are reluctant. They just need a little shove, like I am doing to you here. Having been through this and knowing how hard it is I won't recommend any thing to you that I don't think you can do or are not ready for. Like every one else here, The successful and the progressing, We want you to have the best life you can as anxious free as you can. 
Slow and steady. There is no first prize. Every body wins. The finish line is only what you are happy with.

One final thing. Once you are comfortable with your therapist you might want to take your hubby. Remember no one who doesn't suffer this can know what it is like.

Davit.
13 years ago 0 538 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi All,
Thank-you all so much  for your feedback. I feel better today...slept well last night...am seeing the doctor Monday coming. 
Red...Thank-you for your thoughts. Do you fear going to the doctor too? (you write that you need to build up courage )
Shadowkins....Thanks for your reply too. What do you take that has helped? Are we allowed to ask that? You're right..I do not want to  to be dependant  forever on meds but I think I need something to help me for a while ...Being unsteady like that for hours was awful.
Davit....your knowledge of these meds is incredible!! Very helpful! I wrote down those names to take with me.What a great picture of you on your horse with the mountains in the background.  Of course I am assuming that is you and your horse! lol.
Anerol...you're right about the stress level...my life is changing so much...my children are growing up..only one left at home,  and although I have a job my whole "purpose" was about raising my kids. My hubby is really good..but no, he doesn't understand my anxiety..I don't either for that matter..so that does cause some strains. I would like to see a therapist...I will ask the dr. about that .Do you see a therapist?  I want to ask about a support group too...anyone have experience with them?
Sunny123....I agree, and will continue with the CBT..you give me great hope to be both panic/drug free someday. 
Take care everyone.
Cleo
 
 
13 years ago 0 420 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Cleo,
It sounds like you are really having a hard time of it.  I agree going back to your doctor is a good idea.  Hopefully they will have your lab tests back and you can see if there is any thing wrong there.  You said you had paperwork for ultrasound may be that will tell you something.  It is always a good idea to check the basics to rule out any thing physical.  I had vertigo really bad a while back and was not able to walk around the store. May be you can ask your doctor about that when you see her. 
Other members have already responded to your med question and I really have no advice for you on that subject.  I know Davit has had good luck with the tricyclic meds.  I am not sure exactly which one he is taking but would like to know. I have not tried the beta blocker propranolol but find it interesting.  I tried SSRIs in the past and they weren't for me, but I have considered trying what ever Davit is taking.  Thats if I can ever get up the courage to go to the Dr again haven't seen him in 9 months. Any way I do have xanax that I can take if I can't sleep for a few days and use it when I need it.  I prefer Valium because it doesn't give me a hangover and I can take it in the day time if I need it without getting to groggy.  I may ask my doctor for some and drop the xanax if I ever see him again.  My advice it to talk to your doctor and see what shes has to offer and don't forget ask lots of questions.  Making a list of the question I want to ask to take with me has always been helpful.
Let us know how it goes and don't be afraid to post.  I am sure someone here can help you when you start on the meds like Davit said.
 
Red 
13 years ago 0 112 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Cleo,
I'm so sorry you had such a bad day. Go back to your doc and take her up on the meds. You sound just like I was when I had my first anxiety attack....it took a few weeks before I could see my doc but the meds have helped. I even had to go back to  him because I couldn't sleep for love nor money, so he gave me something for a short while . You just can't cope when you are exhausted and there is no shame in asking for help.
I wish you all the best and keep posting ....you'll get alot of support here.
13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Cleo.

Doctors prescribe Ativan too often because It works fast But you need something slower and longer. I can't recommend, It is against the rules. But if it was me I would want xanax or similar with a longer half life. I would avoid the newer SSRIs because of the side effects. The other drug is a mood stabilizer. (tricyclic anti depressant.) Benzodiasapenes Are anti anxiety, so you may be given it first. they work very quick. SSRIs take two weeks to work. Because of this you may be given both.  TCIs (tricyclic) work fast but but are usually given if the SSRIs don't work or make you sick.  Benzos work on the signal pathways.  SSRIs work on seratonan. TCIs work on dopamine. So you see it will take a while before you find something that works. If you are given Ativan for quick relief till the SSRI works remember it is only safe for four weeks. I may have overstepped here but it is all information that is on the net or your doctor could tell you. Try what ever you are given, it will make the program easier, and we will help you wean off when you are ready. I for one am going nowhere so I will be here for you. I was on drugs and tapered off when I didn't need them any more. I am back on a TCA, because one of my antibiotics causes anxiety real bad. TCAs are easy to get off. Drugs are not a bad thing in there place and some people can't get a grip on the anxiety without the use of them for a while. Post often when you start and let us know how you feel. Someone will tell you if that happened to them also so you will know if they are doing what they are supposed to. The other drug you may be offered is propranolol. It is a beta blocker that is used for stage fright and shaky hands. Hope this was of some help.

Davit.
13 years ago 0 517 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Cleo,
Congrats on getting to the doctor. That is a big deal and a big accomplishment and you deserve to rest for that. How do you feel about seeing a therapist? For some people it helps to find the cause of their triggers. How is your job or spouse treating you? Pressure can cause a lot of anxiety. I was on Lexapro for about 1 1/2 years (another SSRI). It did ok for me while I was on it, I was still anxious but I was able to accomplish things that need to be done. I tapered off at a very bad time though, so make sure you avoid stressful times to avoid withdrawal symptoms when and if you quit and keep good communication with your doc and your support person. 

13 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Cleo:  I can only speak for myself.  When I was at the beginning of my panic - almost 20 years ago, there was nowhere to turn.  I am the one who had to suggest to my doctor that I wanted long-term management of my anxiety and asked for an SSRI.  My doctor agreed.  I took Paxil for about 5 years.  I forget exactly, but they helped me a great deal.  While the meds. calmed me down, I took a CBT course and support group.  This would have been very difficult for me to do if I hadn't had Paxil because the course was in a city over an hour away.  I don't think I could have driven myself in those days without help of an SSRI.  There are more than one kind, your doctor would probably know which one is best for you.  Do not be afraid to try it.  I know someone who tried 3 different kinds before one suited her, and she is doing great! Once you have had some time to heal your exhausted, tired out body, I think you will come back to a better you, faster.  Keep studying the CBT program here at the same time and once you feel you have mastered some of the techniques, and understand better, you can always taper off the medication with your doctor's approval and help.  Always include your doctor in any decisions you are making re: drugs. for sure. 
Again, only speaking for myself, that is what I did.  I haven't had panic attacks for a very long time, actually I can hardly remember the last one.  I do get symptoms though which I manage with breathing and relaxation techniques. hope this can help you.
13 years ago 0 538 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi again... Thank you  all so much  for your kind comments and hepful hints. Having people who really understand makes me feel less lonely with this struggle.  I am so glad I found this place. Not that I would wish anxiety on anyone!   I did go to the dr. It is very strange...I was pretty good in her office...even laid down and let her examine my abdomen....got req's for ultrasound/bloodwork. Talked about my anxiety..I mentioned this program..she didnt say anything. I felt good driving to work. Then, about an hour into work I lost it...I couldn't hardly walk.. I had to "hug" the walls in the hallways..that old "off-balance " feeling  for hours and hours. I tried to ask the 10 questions and do the breathing. I tried to tell myself over and over that it wasn't real, just my nerves playing tricks on me.   Hiding it from my co-workers and residents of course. ( I work in a Senior's home.)  I came home exausted, both mind and body...my legs get so sore when I walk like that.  Cried and cried. Got mad at my anxiety. I hate being this way. Fought with myself most of the night over  whether or not I would go to work tonight... the "what-ifs" etc.   Called in sick  this am.. I know...avoidance .... but I can't go there. Am going to see the dr. again and take her up on her offer of medications. And continue with this program. I keep telling myself it is just a "setback"....but I don't understand why.  Has anyone experienced this? Any any thoughts of what meds are the best?
Cleo

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