Anonymous
I'm full of anxiety. I don't know where to turn?
- Posted:
- 1 Mar 2012 by Anonymous
- Topics:
- depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
Details:
I hope that someone can relate to this one. I have a history in having depression, bipolar disorder, panic/anxiety disorder., and I must say that I'm at my last thread fighting this battle. I'm on Ativan, Lamitcal, and Risperdal. The symptoms are, avoiding being around people, low energy - it takes me all day long to do a simple task like take a shower it is a chore!
I read about Bipolar disorder I'm type II. When I'm a couple days without my meds I'm a nervous wreck I'm easily startled. Is this normal? What can I do? I was seeing a psychologist but haven't seen him in a couple months. I think I ought to go back in counseling.
-Blondie
1 Mar 2012
Hi:
Unfortunately, this is not my field of expertise, but I just wanted to let you know that I wish you well--and I'm sure some of the 'regulars' will be writing you soon.
Mary, the madhatter.
1 Mar 2012
Hi Blondie,
May I first say that I understand were you are and can assure you that it can get better. I have been on lots of different medications for my depression, anxiety and bipolar type II symptoms. It has taken me many years to find the best combination. It sounds like you may not have found it yet. I would discuss this with your doctor, hopefully a psychiatrist, and see about making some changes.
Secondly, therapy with the psychologist is critical. Medication can only do so much. We still have to make changes in the way our minds think and respond to life. Learning to cope with our illness is paramount. Developing the skills to cope is what therapy is all about.
Stay on your meds, every day, even when you don't want to. Make those appointments to see the counselor and doctor and I bet you'll see improvement very soon.
Laurie
2 Mar 2012
I understand..but unfortunately there's no way to manage this disorder without meds..& a good psychiatrist..often a good therapist and support group is needed too... try not to miss your meds as well by setting reminders
Anonymous
2 Mar 2012
Hi. Laurie,
Thank you for response I really needed that ((hugs))) I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 9 years, I have been down the road and back. Adjusting the Lamitcal maybe adjust the Risperdal need something for the anxiety. I'm prescribed Ativan 1 mg to take twice a day.
This anxiety has got to calm down I keep a journal on tracking the anxiety level scale 1 - 10. I'm anxious all the time.
-Blondie
Anonymous
2 Mar 2012
I think I found out where all this anxiety came from, the drug Risperdal I'm prescriebed to take 3 tabs at bedtime. I had been on this drug for a couple of years. I'm on it for the bipolar disorder.
I looked up the sife effects, they include: High Cholestrol or Triglycertides; WBC blood counts; history of heart attack or (I had a stroke 23 years ago), . weight gain, dizziness, falling spells, increased appetite, insomnia; anxiety.
Seek medical attention - Tightness in the chest; confusion; drooling; fainting, new or worsen mental/mood changes (eg.,increased aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety.) Seizures, severe dizziness, stiff or rigid muscle, trouble concentrating, speaking; swallowing; trouble sitting still; standing, walking. Twitching of the face or tongue, jerking, twisting, and vision changes.
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I have not been like this before. It's a good thing that I looked up the sife effects about this drug. I didn't take a dose last night I can actually feel the difference. Thank God. I have a appointment with my psychiatrist on Tuesday, I'll tell him about this discovery.
Thank you all for the support it has help.
-Blondie
3 Mar 2012
Hi- You will most definitely find us relating to what you're experiencing cuz we have the same mental disorders! I have similar conditions (Bipolar 2 migrated to Bipolar 1, etc). Just wanted to reiterate a couple good answers you've already received: A) crucial to continue with behavioral therapy, either from Psychiatrist you see (mine provides therapy, as well as med support), or a good Psychologist, MFT, or MSW. This is for life, hopefully, just as you would continue seeing Dr. for any other chronic medical issue; B) crucial to have a good Psychiatrist, who will be aware from your symptoms/talks if you're on the right meds.; C) group support, such as provided in Bipolar/Depression Groups found online and/or in your community (I found it more helpful to actually force myself to go to mtgs.
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physically & in structured/disciplined manner weekly because it helped me get over fear of speaking, people, and eventually reduced anxiety, etc.). The low energy could be caused from major depressive episode and/or meds. or lack of exercise (also a crucial component of Bipolar Tx. plan, as is proper nutrition, all of which I've learned the hard way!).
I'm glad you're returning to your Dr. cuz, often when we read about side effects, etc., we can't always interpret them in proper scientific perspective. Scientists must report every single side effect in a study, even if its 1 out of a million who had it! So, we can talk ourselves into noticing symptoms that could be a part of a different diagnosis or condition that has appeared!
Also, Psych. meds must build up in our bloodstream to reach therapeutic dose, which takes weeks. We can't just take them occasionally, when we feel like it, but in a consistent manner, in order for them to work properly. Typically, when therapeutic dose is reached, side effects disappear. And, when we are taken off the med, it has to occur slowly, as well, or we can have many of the symptoms you described. (So, yes its normal!). Doesn't seem to be related to Risperdal since you've been on the med for years, but anything can happen!
The avoidance of people can be related to social phobia, agoraphobia, coming off your meds. or a myriad of other things. But, Lord knows, I've been through it all, so just wanted to share some experience & knowledge from an ol' lady! Good luck & hang in there! Jillian
3 Mar 2012
Hey blondy listen me and you are going through same changes I think we need exercise daily. And always remember that we got to call on Jesus Iam on everything. I feel. Like a pig trying. Too take shower we relate a lot of what. We are going through I will pray for you
3 Mar 2012
I am full of anxiety all the time too. I don't have the other isue's i don't think. When you get off med's it is a withdrawl affect. Have you seen a Pshyciatrist. They can put you on something to help. If you need to talk just let me know..
Anonymous
7 Mar 2012
Update. I'm seeing my psychiatrist this afternoon... I cannot wait. I get my meds filled. What it seemed to me is that I was going through withdrawls I was without my meds for about 2 weeks. I have been in bad shape. I can kick myself for running out so soon but I can't help it. I get so anxious and stressed out real easy so I get a pill and hope for the best. What I do is distract myself, and believe it or note it works.
I hope my psychiatrist gives me more meds than #60 but 90 it seems fair to me. Oh by the way, I'm taking Ativan. I think the doctor can change the amount of times that I take Risperdal instead of taking 3 tabs at bedtime to take 1 tab once a day or twice a day.
We have to realize that we have to be our own advocate, we know our than anybody else! I learned that a long time ago. Listen to your body.
BTW I overslept yesterday so I see my psych today... thank god. I feel confidient to talk to my doctor about my concerns. Wish me luck.
-Blondie
7 Mar 2012
talk with your doctor about seroqel... you need to talk with the doc about yor feelings of bipolar only a doctor can help... serquel is for bipolar and does caiuse sleep problems ..GOTO DOC ASAP
7 Mar 2012
I know what you are going through except i have little depression and no bypolar. I hate anxiety. I am on Ativan too. They day your body get's used to it and then you habe inter drawl's.. It suck's because it used to work for me very well. How many mg's are you on how many times a day???
9 Mar 2012
Firsthand listen to every thing. your doctor. tell to do and also let God. Have it cause. JE ALREADY. NO. Ian going. through the samething and. they. wont me to start. Abilify and and o really. don't. won't to so what. Should I do
5 Dec 2012
Hi Blondie- First I wish you well. I can personally relate to the depression and panic/anxiety disorder. I take ativan for break thru when I am in a complete panic and use it carefully. It is highly addictive. I have not heard of the other medications. As for your question, usually the doctors prescribing the medications want to see you every 3 months. However, I think you would benefit greatly by going back to counseling. It gives you an outlet to talk too and also they can offer you, teach you some great tools as I call them to put in our toolbox when your having a really bad day. Finding the right match for you is the hardest part. Make sure you do your homework and find a person who specializes in what you suffer from. I wish you the best. And please never ever stop your meds. You are just hurting yourself by doing that and some meds if stopped cold turkey can have very dangerous side effects.
Be well!
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Anonymous 
madhatter...
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Anonymous 3 Mar 2012
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turner4eva
Stay on the meds even when you don't want to... This is a very good piece of advice unless the meds are causing more problems and you have given them enough time to see if they are effective for your particular chemical make-up. I am 30 yrs old and have watched my mother go up and down (manic and depressed) for as long as I can remember. She is diagnosed with bipolar, depression, and anxiety. When I was about 15, I started medications for depression/anxiety. off and on, but mainly "on", I have been taking some form of antidepressant since then. Currently, I take 15 mg abilify, 20 mg celexa, and 2.5 mg xanax a day for these issues. Anyway, it has always been a battle for me to keep taking my meds. Once I've been on an AD for a while, I start thinking, these things are not really helping me and I'm tired of taking these pills and the sexual side effects have often been the reason I stop them. I wish I could find an AD that did not affect my sex drive.
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I know I am not sexually normal. I want to want it, but most of the time, I don't even think about sex with my partner. And when I do have sex with him, I never seem to feel relaxed enough to really enjoy it and climax. It is so very frustrating. I am so tense and trying so hard to relax, but usually no luck with that. Anyway, my mother is living proof to me that often with these illnesses, it is common to not want to take the meds. And sometimes the meds are not good, but sometimes if it even helps a little, maybe we should not be so down on taking meds. Anybody know of any ADs that do not have effects on sex drive???
oh, and my mom was taking risperedal, lamictal, xanax, wellbutrin, and mirtrazapine for her condition along with all her other regular meds. Her psych. discontinued the risperedal and replaced it with zyprexa. She is so depressed that I can't tell anymore what benefits she's really getting from all these meds if any. It's like pulling teeth to get her to bathe or do anything. I just want to see my mama with some peace of mind before she goes. She's also got COPD and emphasyma. Please if anyone knows anything good or bad about this combo of meds, help me by giving me your feedback.
First let me share that of all the antidepressants, Wellbutrin has the least amount of sexual side effects for most. I know it is a very frustrating side effect, but know little to combat it. As far as your mom, sounds like her meds are just not doing the trick if she is still so depressed she doesn't even want to bathe. May need to have a frank conversation with the doc who I hope is a psychiatrist not a GP. Depending on her age and symptoms it is hard to recommend any alternatives.