New to Anxiety Forum...

[serenity113001]

I have always dealt with anxiety but never to the extent that I do now. Last week I tried to quit smoking, and I think that was the trigger that set me off. I had a severe panic attack, where I restless, irritable, my chest hurt, nervous, and worried. After that it has been occurring everyday and I just want it to stop already. I went to urgent care last Thursday because I didn't have an actual appointment until tomorrow. The doctor gave me xanax and lexapro and although the xanax helps, the lexapro only made me worse and the doctor told me to get off of the medication. I still take xanax but I don't want to rely on this since it only covers up my anxiety rather then really helps me. I just want to be happy again and can't believe that this all has happened over the matter of a week. I mean I have been dealing with a lot of stress, just got a new job (that I had to take a test for and it's been 2 weeks now and no one has contacted me with the results), my boyfriend is making as much money since his job is seasonal, and the bills are mounting up. I think that trying to quit smoking was just the straw that broke the camel's back. The xanax makes me feel like I am in a daze although I do have problems sleeping and have relied on sleeping pills and valerian root (i know not a good idea) to sleep but I just want to feel like myself again. I feel so isolated and am becoming depressed because of this constant feeling as well as becoming hopeless that it will never stop. I feel like I am going crazy and am going to the doctor tomorrow but I am also fearful of taking pills because of all the side effects involved and because of my bad experience with Lexapro. My money situation is tight so I don't know if I could afford therapy as well. I guess my reasoning to join this forum was to gain support from others who may have gone through or are going through what I am now and maybe find a means to get back on my own two feet again. Thanks for listening and I look forward to getting to know all of you : )

[setler]

Hang in there! I am so sorry to hear that things aren't going the best. I hear where you are coming from; I was slapped onto xanax and celexa, and the celexa trigged me off like it sounds how lexapro did with you. Xanax also made me feel drugged. I was switched from xanax to klonopin, which is like a toned down, more long term xanax, and I really enjoy it, even though benzodiazapenes should never be long term.

It is understandable that depression would follow the sever anxiety (it did with me too). If you can really not find a reason why you are anxious, then it is probably not situational and medication might be the best solution. It sucks having to screen through different meds, but when you find the right one, things look up a little and the med supports you in healing.

If you can't afford therapy, maybe some self-healing books could be helpful, if you are interested. Some good ones are "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" and a personal favorite of mine, "When Going Through Hell... Don't Stop!", by Douglas Bloch.

If you want to ask me any more questions or just talk some more, feel free to message me. Good luck hun, I am hoping for you.

[isis2383]

I know what you are saying with the lexapro. I tried it once and had to get off of it because of the side effects... but... my anxiety was so constant that I decided to give it another shot only this time at a lower dose (2.5mg) because I am sensitive to meds. Im not going to lie it hasnt been fun and the side effects are still there (Im on day 16)... I also take xanax (was taking klonopin but was switched off of it). Its good to know that I am not the only one who has or is experiencing difficulties with lexapro. However I figured ive come this far I might as well keep going (Im proud of myself for that because I didnt think I had it in me... although I will say I have missed TONS of work since starting the med, my job is on the line).

What dose of lexapro where you taking? What dose of xanax where you taking (xanax puts me in a daze too... come to think of it im dazed out of my mind on it right now at work, and I only take half of a .25mg tablet). Maybe taking a little less of the xanax will help... You can always take more but never less. I would definitely check into self help books if you are worried about therapy and the cost... (Im going to check into some books myself). I've also looked on the net that change in diet can help with anxiety (see mayo clinic), and of course talking to friends, being in a support group, or posting like crazy in the forums will definitely not hurt (there are many forums out there).

Im wishing you the best. I know how tough it must be for you...