I have severe anxiety & panic. I am on sertraline. Just went up to 150mg yesterday. I'm hoping it will help with my daytime stomach/chest tightness and maybe even the morning anxiety, but I am hoping someone may know something that could help aside from this. Ive read millions of tips, but none work. I wake up shaking around 6 and can't get back to sleep. I shake and feel very depressed for a few hours at least, sometimes longer. It makes my stomach tighten right up too. Feels like I can't get a breath. I here it could be my adrenal glands are screwed up, but it costs a lot to get it tested. Too much Cortisol I believe? But I don't know for sure.
Any solid advice? Thanks so much.
Bad morning anxiety. Any way to fix it?
Question posted by alfaragalli on 18 July 2012
Last updated on 19 July 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
10 Answers
Gretanb
1 Aug 2016
I started having this problem a year ago. I was taking effexor and clonazapam (klonipin) at the time. My endocrinologist has identified my problem as diurnal anxiety. My anxiety moves proportionately with my cortisol cycle. My cortisol has been elevated in the last year. It is biological/physiological. Not due to stress, although stress exacerbates the anxiety and panic. I usually feel fine by about 6:00pm in the evening. My days are a nightmare. I am currently not taking the clonazapam. My psychiatrist switched me to lorazepam. It takes 2 mg to provide any relief, and only lasts a couple hours. We are all searching for an answer to this issue. The answer has something to do with the hipocampus/pituitary/adrenal axis. Something is messed up. I am contacting a neurologist who has worked with this, hoping for some answers. In the meantime, if you found your answer, Please reply. I really need to get better and get my life back. Sincerely, Greta
Cilladawn
11 Feb 2017
Hi Greta I am going through this exact thing. I did a 24 hour cortisol testing and found at night it spikes. I am waking up every morning at 3 am and sometimes fall back asleep others I toss and turn. Each morning I wake up feeling doomed and heart pounding and it peeks at 8 am I noticed in the evenings I feel better until about 10 pm then I feel like I am anxious all over again. Have you found out any other info? I dread going to sleep at night for fear of how I will feel the next morning it's been so awful.
Naeba
12 May 2017
I have the same issue. I've been seeing a holistic endocrinologist and he thinks these symptoms are the result of the adrenal gland dumping cortisol/adrenaline. This can happen when you haven't eaten for awhile and your blood sugar is low. Have some almonds by your bedside or better yet, a banana as others mentioned. The banana will raise your blood sugar faster. There are all kinds of herbs that help regulate cortisol/adrenaline. I've been taking relora. But ashwaganda root, holy basil, or other herbal formulations for adrenal issues are available. One thing that the endocrinologist said was necessary is to asleep by 10pm bc around 11pm, the adrenal glands will kick in to give you a second wind. This is hard on the glands and if you have adrenal fatigue, they can just start dumping adrenaline/cortisol erratically throughout the day. Don't know if this info will help you but can't hurt to try. Oh, and he said 3-4 almonds every hour to stabilize blood sugar.
Oceantides
17 Aug 2017
Chilladawn, thank you for posting your note. I am having the same symptoms and have felt so alone. I dread every morning.
GretchenWenrich
20 July 2012
Have you tried buspirone for your anxiety? I take 10 mg 4 times a day and 50 mg of sertraline(generic zoloft) . The buspirone helped alot.
silly-girl
19 July 2018
Lemons helps a lot, ginger works on and off, but a herbal tea "blood orange tea" works great for me. Drinking it twice a day keeps me up throughout the day.
Inactive
19 July 2012
Hello there and welcome to the site I hope all is well in the great white north. Home of the Leafs and Marboros and Tiger Cats etc. Truth be told, try and get another opinion to your present diagnosis. I know a little about OHIP, how they operate a bit so I would get another opinion , and see what might be said. Best of wishes and health to you, pledge
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
Hey Pledge, I appreciate the idea, but a second opinion isn't the easiest to get here. I could ask an urgent care Dr, but they would tell me to talk to my own Dr. As part of the OHIP system, you get one Dr at a time. If I want another Dr I have to fully switch over. Which I would hate to do 'cause my Dr really is a caring person.
Inactive
20 July 2012
Very good and I understand. Thanks for the update, if I come up with a better suggestion, I'll post it. Have a great Friday.
Inactive
19 July 2012
Along with every other response you've gotten on your question, I feel the need to add my opinion of the situation. I hope you are seeing a psychiatrist for your anxiety issues, and believe it or not, it's easier to treat the problem before it starts in the morning. I have had psych issues for about 43 years, symptoms include the very ones you have plus a lot more. My motto is " an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure". That means, at least for me, prevent the awful feelings of dread and doom and feeling like you are about to have a heart attack at any moment ... I take Klonopin every day and have for 35+ years. I know longer have the symptoms you describe. I know the feelings well and I choose not to go through them day after day. Psychiatrists are more likely to prescribe this benzo as it kicks in quickly and controls symptoms for a lot longer than short acting benzos, like Xanax.
That's some further information for you to take to the doc. Knowledge is power. It helps to know about your symptoms and meds to take care of them.
Good luck and wishing you a chilled out day.
Sweet Hippie
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
You're right, knowlege is power indeed. Unfortunately it hasn't helped me overcome my physical symptoms. I have studied anxiety non stop for quite some time, and learned SO much, and it has helped, just not fully. I take comfort in knowing that all I learned will be useful to others with my problem though. It does help knowing what is happening and not thinking anxiety is a serious condition that can kill you.
One thing Ive not studied is Klonopin. I always assumed it was the same as Ativan so I have never looked into it. Is it a tranquilizer? Tranquilizers seem to make me quite depressed and I cant work on them either.
Inactive
19 July 2012
Dear alfaragalli:
I know all too well about the anxiety so you're not alone, I was diagnosed with panic attacks back in 1997. Yes, every morning whenever I get out of bed the first thing I take is Ativan, Lamitcal, and Risperdal--- all for depression and anxiety. Just remember the breathing.
I hope you feel better and soon.
-Abby
timoleonta
9 July 2014
I've been on Ativan and Remeron with some success after two weeks.
alcon1502
19 July 2012
Hi, I have a right answer for you. Talk your dc about Klonoping(clonasepan) in the morning and antidepresant like proxac or paxil,however you have to wait until the antidepresant medicine works which is about 2-3 weeks. You should known that anxiety is real serious condition. In the majority of cases the addrenal glands testsare ok. Good luck and stay in comunication with us. Regards... Alcon
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
Im already trying an antidepressant. Sertraline is like zoloft which worked for me in the past. Im hoping it's just like what balbanese said in an above post, that when I stopped the drug and started again my body knew what it was and didn't accept it at the same dose. Now that Im up at a higher dose Im hoping to see results. I "seem" to feel better already actually!
However, you should know that the last sort of thing a person with anxiety &/or panic should be told is something like "You should known that anxiety is real serious condition." 2 reasons, 1) If you understand anxiety, you know a statement like that can make someone panic or at best dwell over the thought of the seriousness you just mentioned. 2) Anxiety is not a "serious" condition. It is not a life threatening condition like heart disease or something, and panic can't hurt you, it just sucks really bad.
But serious is not a good way to describe anxiety to an anxious person. I happen to know a LOT about anxiety, if I didn't you may have just set me back on months of hard work! Be careful how you speak to an anxious person.
darkmother
19 July 2012
Get Off that !! Find a Doctor that will give you kolonopin. It is very fast acting and ends attacks in mins. You will not feel druged or any high just releaf.Doctors say it is addictive only because it works so good you rely on it and never work threw your problems.
Then find the mid-west center for anxiety program. It works. I have been hospitalized several times for major panic attacks.The key to panic attacks is feeling out of control and you can not stop it or handle it. When you learn to write down the thoughts that were going threw your head when the attacks accure, then you will see what your real fear is. Then you can fix it with telling your self you are ok,you are not going to die, and this will end. It always does. Take slow breaths counting to 3 and exhale slow counting to 3. This will slow down your heart rate. Making the attack ease off. When you have a attack find something to distrack your self from the attack. You are in control, beleive in your self, you can handle anything,GOD tells you so!! Good Luck.
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
Is klonopin a tranquilizer like ativan?
And I agree, with God all things are possible. Ive been having trouble wanting to keep going like this, but God has brought me through the valley thus far.
butterflylynn
19 July 2012
Al,
I have a couple of questions for you.
- You said you have been taking Sertraline how long have you been taking this medication?
- How many times of day do you take your medication? And do you take it before you go to bed ?
- Did you have the uncontrollable shaking before you started on this medication ? The reason I ask is because one of the side effects of this drug is,
Uncontrollable shaking & nervousness & stomach problems.
- What other medications for anxiety have you been on ?
I also suffer from anxiety & I have for most of my life & I have PTSD. I also suffe thr from panic attacks
Up until this year I could not control them.
I am so sorry that you & your family suffer from this disorder it is very hard to control. And as Liz (endlessprad) said earlier even though testing is so expensive I think you will find the answers in those test. Because you mentioned earlier I am sure the reason for not doing the test is probably money but in the US that is really not a bad price. Maybe you can start with the cheapest & the test that will give you the answers first & them if you need more you can wait until you get the money for the others.
it seems like one of the things you worry about is if you will ever get better & if these test can give you the answers I think you need to have them run, for your sake & your families.
It sounds like your worst time is in the AM .. That is one off the reasons I asked if you were taking that medication in the evening. The best medication I have found for panic attacks is Xanax as it is fast acting & if you take it as soon as you start noticing your anxiety elevating then usually it will calm you mentally & physically. Also I am not sure if anyone has ever shown you breathing techniques & relaxation techniques but if not let me know what type they have shown you. Also keeping a positive attitude that you can get better & beat this is VERY IMPORTANT... Because negative feelings & thoughts will only make you have MORE Anxiety !!
And it is important to KNOW YOU CAN GET BETTER & BEAT THIS...
And trust me when I tell you I have been were you are right now & it is a dark & scary place to be.
- Also are currently seeing a phsciayrist now? And gas any of your doctors thought about you having depression also ? As once I was treated for my depression even though it was mild.
The right mixture of depression med & the anxiety medication it put me on the right road. The final piece was learning relaxation techniques & positive talk to get me out of having panic attacks any longer. I am sending you a friend request if you would like to accept the request you if you want to talk via a private message. I wish you all the luck & anything I can do to help I would like to help. Have a peaceful night. Kathy
balbanese
19 July 2012
You may want to give the new dose 2-3 weeks to kick in, and you may want to report all these symptoms to your Dr (that is, if you haven't already done that). If this med alone isn't working for you it's obviously time for a change or a new program. Hope this helps.
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
I agree the new dose needs time. I have indeed told my Dr most symptoms and he always say "Yes, that is a direct symptom caused by the anxiety." I know that obviously.
The weird thing about the med (Sertraline) is that I was on it for a while, then I was doing so well I stopped, and now Im back on it at a much higher dose and it is not doing the same thing... Does that make any sense to you?
balbanese
19 July 2012
Absolutely! It's called tolerance. See when you first went on it, you never experienced it before, so your system accepted it as something new. By stopping (a mistake we all make once we feel better) and starting again, despite the higher dose, your system has a "been there, done that" reaction, and psychologically, does not "feel" the same as it did the first time.
The other thing is we expect more from it the 2nd time, yet only get the original "feeling." I still say give it some time, and above all do not look for the same "version" of "better" that you felt the first time, expect a different "version" of feeling "better" and you'll be open to the new feeling.
Make sense?
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
Yes that makes a TON of sense. Very reassuring. I thanks you very much!
balbanese
19 July 2012
You are very welcome, don't be a stranger.
Billy
endlessPred
18 July 2012
Hello. Medications are expensive and so are tests. Often they are needed when things are not going well and affect how you live your life. It sounds like you are at that point.
Along with medication for the anxiety and depression it helps tremendously to have a therapist or group,to meet with. being isolated makes things worse.
Are you from the US? If not, an idea of what country would help. In the US there are free clinics, Medicaid if little money, various sources to get help.
Sounds like you need more testing. What have you tried? Costs for most medications are reduced when you contact the manufacturer and see if they have a program to help. Most importantly is that you share your story. There are many who will understand and support you through this. Please write again and let us know more about you. I am listening and waiting for you. Karen
alfaragalli
18 July 2012
Hi Im actually in Ontario Canada. The tests I need are not covered and cost between a hundred and two hundred each.
Ive been to some therapy, it did help a bit, but my anxiety seems to be for no apparent reason. They tend to focus on fears and worries. Which is somewhat helpful for life in general, but my only real fear is will I ever be ok again. Will I ever stop feeling adrenaline and tight stomach every day. Will I ever wake up and be ok in the morning.
My Dr hopes the sertraline increase will help...
Im not alone though. My wife has been through severe anxiety and my pastor has also. I have a supportive boss and co-workers too. My sister has had anxiety her whole life so she is there for me. I have a very blessed life. No reason for anxiety and panic. I hope I can enjoy life again soon. I am missing my 3 year old sons growing up because I can't think past my physical symptoms. I still show him much love, just can't enjoy playing with him or listening to him babble... etc
Hope that explains a little more about me. I appreciate your help and offer to listen very much. Thank you.
PS: my name is Al nice to meet you.
endlessPred
18 July 2012
Hi Al. I have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks. They put me on Xanax until life settled for me. Also an antidepressant. If you look at my bio you will see what I am dealing with.
Both my husband and daughter have anxiety. His whole side of the family seems to have it. Some get treated and some don't. One ain't is agoraphobic and sees nothing wrong with it. Her husband weights on her hand and foots for fifty years. She misses family but refuses help.
Since you are wanting help and are caught with the anxiety, it would really help to check out a support group again. Not only do you have people who won't judge but you are out and about. two needed things to improve your life.
Those feelings you have are very familiar. They are beatable. A good therapist can help you develop skills that will greatly reduce your anxious feelings. Anxiety is a form of fear. For whatever reason you are preparing for a battle that makes no sense to you. Unless putting socks on in the morning is a battle. lol. when you learn to replace dread with an I can do it feeling, it will get better. And this is something you can do.
The cost of the tests seem worth it. I don't know how your finances are nor even how your health care works, but around here a few hundred bucks is pretty regular for health costs. A trip to the hospital starts at $250 plus all the money i pay for insurances. We don't have much, just pay it off over time when needed. So maybe your anxiety is worried about money rather than keeping you well... You see how that works? Would you care for a child or your spouse? Your turn, I think.
Those are my ideas. What do you think? Karen
alfaragalli
19 July 2012
I think you are right in a lot of ways. I know a group would help, but time is definitely an issue.
I was taking ativan lorazapam (I think that is like Xanax? A tranquilizer?) But I was getting very depressed from it so my Dr took me off it. And I obviously couldn't work while on it either. I do get sleep at least. I use a product called pharmagaba which works very well. Non addictive and natural too!
Our government covers us for most things, but nothing anxiety related yet. You say my physical symptoms are beatable? I hope you're right. I find it hard to believe at this point. I feel like Ive been tortured for a few months day after day! All it has to do is cross my mind and boom! Im not ble to get a full breath. Deep breathing makes this worse 'cause it reminds me of panic which just makes me panic... Arg.
I did however email my therapist and made an appointment with him. I can at least take your advice on that.
endlessPred
19 July 2012
We can be a pretty good group for you to talk with. Not quite the same as face to face, but as you see there are many who understand your situation. All anxiety is both physical and mental. When either is out of whack we are in bad times. The meds will help with the missing neuro receptors that just aren't right for you now. The support will give you back your control of your day to day life. Having someone to listen and support helps a lot.
And,as you can see, there are many fighting the same battle. I think it is great that these people are here for us, don't you?
Glad the therapist is in the loop. He/she may be interested to know about so many people who care. Lots of ideas here, lots of suggestions to check out. If you find someone to talk with further, make them your friend. They will then be able to send private emails. That can be helpful as well. Congrats on taking a big step to finding better solutions and a greater peace of mind. Karen
Seahawks12
29 Jan 2018
I have the exact same problem but it keeps getting worse. It's like I have a fear of other people now.
Carole13
2 March 2018
I also have morning anxiety. I'm on Xanax twice a day and Symbolta twice a day. My heart rate goes up after breakfast almost every morning. In about two hours I'm ok but this is driving me crazy. Any help?
Related topics
depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.