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[Michelle46]

Hi
I've suffered anxiety for quite a few years but I've still worked and gone places. Last November I tried to get back on an antidepressant but had 6 weeks of hell then tried mirtazapine which only helped for a few weeks. I'm still on it but my anxiety is so high to go anywhere. I had vertigo badly in January and since then I'm not really going anywhere. I fear the panic so obviously I get it. I haven't been to a supermarket properly for 3 months and not doing things with hubby. I've had nausea every morning for 4 months because of the anxiety. My life is on hold and I hate it. I'm stuck in fight/flight mode. I want to taper off mirtazapine as it's making me like a zombie but couldn't cope with sertraline. Anyone suffer like me?

[CLKD]

Yep.  In the 1990s I was unable to leave the house - DH walked the dog and did the shopping; hung out the laundry as I couldn't go into the garden nor was I able to answer the phone.  My GP gave me Valium 5mg 3 times a day for a week; followed by 5mg once a day then as necessary.  Saved my Life at the time for several years then I no longer required it.

in 2002 he prescribed propranolol to ease early morning surges.  This helped.

When is your anxiety the worst?  I used the Valium the night B4 an event that I was unable to get out of knowing that I could take another the next lunch time.  Never required the 'extra'.  Now I have an emergency pill when anxiety floors me as well as 'escitaolopram' 10mg night 10mg morning to help with depression.

[Michelle46]

I've got valium for when needed. I'm on mirtazapine but I hate it and want to taper slowly off and perhaps try citalopram or escitalopram. I've got some propranolol. I take 10mg first thing. It's become so bad in 2 months. I can't believe it. As soon as I think I'll go somewhere all the physical symptoms come and I know it's my mind doing it! I'm just going out for little walks near me and driving locally but not going in places x

[CrispyChick]

I've had a terrible time trying AD this year. I've now ditched them and am trying pregabalin. Maybe have a look into that. It's licensed to treat anxiety in England.

I'm still on a very very low dose as I'm sensitive to everything. But I do seem to feel a little calmer.

X

[CLKD]

4 me it's not in my head but physical: flight or fight in the gut.  Nausea + panic = collapse.  It's awful.

Don't push your boundaries as that puts more pressure on you.  Do what U are able trying to enjoy those moments.  As I began to recover and go further I would drive to a supermarket and browse the shelves, waiting all the while to be arrested for shop lifting  then I would leave B4 anxiety set in.  That way I gained back some control.

What does your GP suggest about tapering?

[Michelle46]

My gp has referred me to the mental health team to refer me to a psychiatrist so they can give me more insight into my medication. More waiting!

[CLKD]

Can a GP not refer directly  .  Is there a particular reason why the GP can't over-C withdrawal if that's what you think will help? 

[Michelle46]

I think the reason my doctor worries is that I had such bad side effects going on sertraline. I then tried venlafaxine and lasted 6 days,again awful side effects so I've stayed on mirtazapine but it's not working. It's gone into depression now too. I wake up feeling so nauseous within 20 minutes. I do take 10mg propranolol in the morning but I'm just so low and anxious.

[CLKD]

    I hear you.  MayB ask your GP to increase your Propranolol to 10 morning and 10 at night to ease these early morning feelings.  Have U tried a short course of valium ?  5mg for 3 nights should help.

Do U have a garden, R U able to sit in the sunshine for a while? 

[Michelle46]

Yes I have a lovely garden. I will be going out in it in a bit and I did yesterday too. I'll go for a little walk around here. I just feel so sad and anxious. I want to be out with my husband doing things but I know i can't force myself otherwise it will make it worse. Done that! Get the nausea,dizziness and jelly legs. Luckily my husband is very patient and understanding x

[CLKD]

Mine takes it 'as it is' at the time.  He knows enough that I am unable to alter these feelings.  I've been known to leave supermarket trollies in supermarkets  the arrangement being that I always go back to the car whilst he finishes off.

I've walked to the village shop/back, had a chat with the neighbours in the sunshine.  Today's temp is 'right' 4 me 

Little steps.  I never believed that I would do as much as I can do ....... and if U have to decline events for now, then accept. My Mum once shouted at me "So U spoilt it for others then!" - my response and I'm not good at instant retorts: If they can't enjoy themselves if I'm not present, that is their problem now mine! :

[CLKD]

When I was very ill I made lists each evening because by then I was feeling better: all commitments out of the way for that day.  It gave me something to tick off so that I could C what I had achieved.

[Michelle46]

You are absolutely right CLKD. I've drove down the road but come right back. I've gone to a supermarket but couldn't go in but last night I drove 10 minutes down the road to the sea and had a tiny walk. That is a positive even though it doesn't feel like it today.  I live in Devon so lots of beaches around me.

[Michelle46]

I start to feel a bit better by 8 pm and think oh tomorrow I could do this.....but no.. 

[CLKD]

Been there!  Exactly how anxiety took me.  At least U R getting out and having the invigorating waves will help.  I find that being alone [other than DH with me] I do better as I don't have to justify how I'm feeling to others: I can B fine then suddenly    . We miss living by the sea!!! but due to the 38 year old fish we can't move away 

If I can't drive into a parking space forwards I come home  because I don't want people watching me trying to reverse  .