Hi, new here..looking for help.

[Cherish]

I'm going through some pretty bad anxiety. My pulse feels so strong, I can feel it pounding all over my body. I feel so stuck in this and its just a HUGE fear...My nerves are shot! I have been diagnosed with PTSD , PMDD, GAD and Depression. My doctor gave me Paxil, but I haven't started it yet because I just know its going to make my anxiety worse before it actually helps. I can't take any kind of Benzo, because of another medication Im on. I know every antidepressant does everyone different. But- Im wondering if anyone here knows of one that is fast acting and doesnt cause more anxiety. Im just so desparate to get some kind of relief from this anxiety. Its horrible.

[momof31977]

I've been on Paxil before and didn't notice any type of surge in my anxiety before I felt better. And I did feel better after a couple weeks. I'd just take it now. You already feel anxious. If you do nothing, it's going to stay the same. If you start taking it now, there's a potential light out there in the tunnel.
I'd start up on meds again as my anxiety has resurfaced, but I'm nursing my 6 month old so am trying to work thru this without anything but my education on the whole disorder. Either way, it's not easy. You'll get there, it just takes some work. I know it's hard when it makes you feel like not doing much at all!

[alankay]

Ask about Atarax(Hydroxyzine ). It's an old antihistamine that has significant anti anxiety effects. NO abuse potential. Lyrica might also help. PM me any time. Alankay

[ladywillow]

I know exactly how you feel cherish. I am just starting my meds again and sometimes it does make me more anxious. I don't know if it's the meds or me :) But I do know that unless you do something the anxiety will not go away. At least by starting meds you can feel like you are moving forward. I do take ativan to help when needed, but I've been too scared to take it lately so I'm in the same boat :)

[Cherish]

Thanks. I have Hydroxyzine. Ive taken it once...the other night actually. But, it made me feel lightheaded and the next morning for a couple hours I felt slightly lightheaded. Is it normal for it to have those effects?

[Cherish]

It seems like a while back, I tried Cymbalta and it seems like it had some immediate good effect on my anxiety. I think I took it for 2 weeks and the anxiety was next to none. Gosh, I can't remember! ugh lol
I am under so much stress on top of the anxiety and its just so overwhelming.

[ladywillow]

Have you tried meditating? I find it really helps when things feel too overwhelming. It's not an immediate fix, though. You have to do every day for quite a while for it to have a major effect.