Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: tgisue on April 07, 2018, 04:34:05 PM
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Hi all
Does anyone have any experiences/suggestions for anti anxiety meds?
I am not depressed but am fed up with anxiety and all the symptoms it brings.
I have managed to get an appointment with GP in a couple of weeks and would like to hear about others experiences good or bad.
Many thanks
Sue
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Yep.
Sometimes at this time of Life hormonal upheaval brings with it mood swings, depression and anxiety. I have been prescribed anti-depressant medication since 1988 and anti-anxiety in the form of as necessary Valium since 1991. I took the latter prior to events that I was unable 2 avoid, i.e. visiting family :-\. When it made me feel woozy my GP prescribed another drug, to take 'as necessary'. Because I know that ti will work within 25-40 mins. I have never worried about having to take extra. I also have a beta-blocka at night to ease early morning anxiety surges.
Some ladies find that they require the above along with HRT. It really can be Trial and Error. Do you keep a mood/food/symptom diary?
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hi
i am 54, have regular periods still. i have suffered with migraines for 20 years so gp said no hrt unless extreme symptoms. To be honest, with my health anxiety amongst general anxiety i would be too scared to take hrt ayway :'(
I must admit I havent kept a diary of symptoms, maybe I should start.
Thanks for reading.
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A diary may be helpful in charting your mood patterns, hormone input, anxiety can be caused by low blood sugar so eating regularly and exercising gently can help.
Health anxiety can be problematic but what is the worst that could happen? If you think seriously about the different medical assistance available as well as the various agencies for chronic illness, then there is help out there. I never worried about cancer but when I underwent treatment followed by radiotherapy, I survived ;). It's the 'what if' that controls me which is an instant gut reaction.
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The mental effects of perimenopause have been my worst symptom. I'm 54 and still having relatively regular periods albeit a lot lighter than they were,
Duavive helped control it for about 6 months but anxiety floored me about a fortnight ago and GP prescribed an SSRI as well, which had near enough immediate effect. Panic has appeared but I have capped it easily, as have managed to do most of my life, to the debilitating anxiety that has been present for the last couple of years on and off.
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Hi Scotdownunder,
I wondered if you would mind letting me know which SSRI you have found useful as I'm struggling with anxiety, panic and depression
Thanks
Robin
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I started taking citalopram 10 mg last November and they have literally saved my life. The first month was extremely tough on them I.e made anxiety worse but I took an emergency Xanax when I got really bad. Once I got used to them I was amazed how I'm now able to cope, I don't really suffer with depression but had awful anxiety. I'm not 'cured' but I'm so much better now. I was at a stage where I didn't want to leave the house, I'm heading to Majorca in the morning with hubby for a short break, so huge improvement. I hope this helps x
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Hi Robin
Escitopralam.
I think that what shocked me was the speed of its action. I was sitting thinking it wasn't going to work but overnight and felt happy for the first time in ages and since starting, while I can feel stressed, it stops it spiraling out of control.
However as my GP has said, I'm really sensitive to hormones, and I suspect that this will carry through the other things in my body too.
I think each of us has a balance that works for us and it is important to find it. I am alssure doing a lot of yoga pranayama and meditation but there is a lot of stress in my life at the moment.
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Thank you for your replies Tammy and scotdownunder.
Did the medication affect your sleep? I struggle with insomnia and am keen to try something that won't make it even worse.
Thanks again
Robin
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'really sensitive to hormones' :-\ - I wonder what that was supposed to imply. Hormones regulate and control our bodily functions. So how could one be 'sensitive'. I feel an essay coming on ;D
Medication can ease sleep patterns too. I dream a lot on the regime I take, it has been bears in recent nights ::) with hot breath - but I sleep better now than ever. If I have a few nights when sleep evades me, I take an anti-histamine .........
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Does anyone have any experience of propranolol?
Thanks
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Yep - did I answer another thread with the same query :-\
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I think you have to bear in mind that this is an area in which we're all completely individual, and also that there are some members of this forum who have suffered from anxiety as a lifelong problem, so their anxiety is a completely different thing to the hormonally induced anxiety most of us are referring to. There are many different ADs available and everyone will give you a recommendation for the one they tried that worked,but there is absolutely no guarantee that that's going to work for you.A lucky few hit on the right one straight away, for many it's a long process of trial and error, and for the unfortunate few (myself included) they simply don't work or give intolerable side-effects. I've tried 8 different ADs and beta-blockers,all caused terrible depression. Currently trying pregabalin which some people here swear by, so far it's done nothing for me. And CKLD, I'm sorry but i still feel your advocacy of benzodiazapenes (Diazepam (valium), lorazepam etc.) is dangerously misguided - you may be able to take them on an even basis over many years, but for most people these are horribly addictive drugs which should only ever be used as a short term emergency measure. Tolerance increases quickly and withdrawal is very difficult - I know, I've been there. And why all the mystery around the 'émergency drug' you mention in these posts but will never name? Why is it such a closely guarded secret?
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I think CLKD uses the term emergency drug to get the point across that there are drugs that can be taken on an occasional basis to get through a very difficult situation. This is something I have been doing for several years with an 'addictive' drug. I'm very careful about how often I take it but the interesting thing about it is that it taking it occasionally it works very well and isn't addictive taken this way. It has very few side effects in comparison to all the antidepressants and Pregabalin that I have tried and they all had awful effects when trying to stop. It does mean that I'm still struggling as I haven't been successful at finding something I can take all the time however when I'm at the point of ending it all because I'm in such a panic I take a diazepam and am able to calm down enough to not go through with it.
As you say we are all individual and what works for one may not work for another but used sensibly diazepam can be successful (in an emergency) used occasionally and for some, me included, life saving. Doctors only give a few of these tablets at a time and keep a very close eye on how soon they're used up. It wouldn't be possible to become addicted on the amount I'm given.
It's great that we are all here to support each other. I often feel weak and pathetic because I can't cope with all that perimenopause throws at me but I find it reassuring to read MM and realise I'm not alone in my struggles. I've tried many of the things ladies have suggested and some have been very successful others haven't been for me personally.
I know how devastating the effects on mental health can be especially when medication isn't working. I've tried many antidepressants, mood stabilisers etc and still haven't found anything I can take continually. I really hope you find something that works for you soon Racjen.
Best wishes
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Hello Robin.
I started on Citralopam five years ago for debilitating anxiety, I've never looked back I take 40mgs daily started on 10. I also have an essential hand tremor so was already taking propanol for that and yes it does help too. If in need I can take an extra 10mgs.
I sleep like a baby and cope with all life throws at me- sadly that has been some awful things.
All the best
Woodlands x
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Hi woodlands.
Thank you so much for your message. A close member of my family has essential tremor and I shake visibly quite badly when my anxiety is bad. The rest of the time the shaking is less visible but I can still feel it. I've read it's hereditary so I'm half expecting that diagnosis at some point. It's really good to hear that beta blockers are working on both conditions. It's not something I've considered before. I haven't tried citralopam either so I will look into both asap.
I'm sorry to hear you've had some awful life events. It must have been extremely difficult if you were going through the menopause at the same time. It's really good to know that it is possible to find medication that can help along with HRT even when life is throwing dreadful things at you.
I'm in the process of taking a deep breath before I embark on making changes. I have an appointment with a private menopause doctor next month to try and sort my HRT out and I'm researching other medication to work out what to try adding once that's settled (that's me trying to be optimistic 😊). Citralopam and propanol certainly seem worth trying.
Thanks again woodlands
Robin
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Tnx Robin. Instead of waiting these days for the anxiety to ease - which it won't do once I reach a certain point - I take the emergency drug sooner rather than getting in a tizz. Stops the 'I want to end it all' feeling.
GPs are so much more aware of the possibilities of addiction that they are careful who they prescribe to. However, in my circle of friends none of us - all aged between 40 and 70 - have become addicted . I do have an impulsive, addictive, OCD-type personality so am completely aware of the possibilities.
There's no secret racjen ;D - simply that Meno Brain here can't remember what I swallow every day and 'when necessary': lorazepam : it works between 25-40 mins. so I have never in all these years required 'extra'. It either relieves the anxiety so that I can get on with the day or knocks me out completely for hours so that my body/brain get relief. Without it I wouldn't be here.
This morning I have background anxiety and had forgotten how bad symptoms might become, including the weak thighs, feeling of faintness ..... all physical. If necessary I will take that Pill ;-)
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OK, that's interesting CKLD. I have to explain here - I've been taking 15mg diazepam every day since my anxiety crisis started last November, and I am most definitely addicted. During the previous peri-menopausal episode I had 6 years ago, I started on diazepam, moved up to lorazepam because the anxiety was so bad and nothing else would control it, and ended up getting addicted to that. Took me two years to wean myself off, horrible experience. So I'm coming from a very different place to youand I don't want this to happen to anyone else x.
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I see how that could easily happen if it's taken every day racjen. I would love to take it more often if only it wasn't addictive as it really works well for me but stick rigidly to emergency only. Difficult when things as as bad as they are but by emergency I mean the difference between ending things or not. I'm currently trying to find ways of trying to improve things the rest of the time but as you know only too well it's a minefield when it comes to medication especially for those of us who struggle with many side effects or lack of effectiveness like we do. If you do find something that works for you I'd love to know racjen.
Robin
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I remember you telling that B4 but where is your GP in all this! If you have an addictive personality :-\ then the Practice is negligent in continuing with the prescription!!! and have you tried to stop it. I had to wean off one AD years ago, it took 9 weeks ::) but once I realised that didn't get worse after dropping each dose, I kind of coped. It was the 'what if this makes me feel worse' or 'what if I have to re-start this' that played on my mind. Again, the total physicality of anxiety over-ruled the logic!! Bugga .......
15mg is a huge amount. Is that 3 x 5mg daily? If so that's OK but in one swallow ::). I would suggest that you drop one of the pills on alternative days ......... realising that there will be physical repurcussions. My GP would never prescribe that much without a weekly review.
I have found relaxation therapy worked, years ago - but found time to practice difficult :D
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That amount was prescribed for me by the Crisis Team when it was a question of 'Ã really don't want to be here anymore and I'm planning my exit'. They recommended taking it 3 times a day, not just as an emergency measure, so that I'd build up a constant level in my bloodstream. However, because the anxiety is always far worse in the morning I've ended up taking the whole 15mg in one go when I first wake. And I think it now has no effect whatsoever. I haven't tried to reduce it yet, and my GP has agreed that while I'm still doing EMDR therapy for PTSD it's really not the time to start messing with other things. But once I've got through that I will start a very gradual weaning process - in my experience missing tablets on alternate days isn't a good way to go about it, you need to keep up a level dose but reduce it by tiny amounts every week or so. So literally start by reducing it to 2 and 3/4 tablets daily, then after a week 2 and a 1/2 etc. It's a long slow frightening process, because the withdrawal anxiety you get if you try to reduce too fast can be much worse than the original anxiety :'(
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Racjen, I reckon this is why you're having a rough time withdrawing from the Utrogestan. Utrogestan works on the same GABA receptor as benzodiazepines. It's like you're going through benzo withdrawal, google it, there's a ton of info on it. I had a mirena inserted so I could withdraw from my benzo, there's no way I could have gone through progesterone withdrawal every month while cutting down very slowly on the benzos.
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NOPE! I was advised to stop gradually. When taking 3 each day I was told to stop the lunch-time dose on alternate days for 5 days. Then stop it completely. It doesn't last in the system very long apparently which is why people grab for the next dose. Then it was stop the evening dose on alternate days ........ because my worst time is anytime after 4.30 a.m. :'(. My GP had access to smaller doses than usually prescribed which was sued as necessary. After 9 weeks ..........
My brain kept whittling at me though :-\. I don't know if I would be mentally stronger now but currently my regime keeps me stable. I never thought that I would be in this place back in the 1990s.
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CKLD, I don't understand - that's not stopping gradually, it's a pretty brutal way of doing it. What I'm suggesting is far more gradual and unless you're in a huge hurry for some reason why put yourself thru that kind of stres? I don't really understand your comment.
Abba Fan, I'll certainly look into that - it's not a connection I know much about. Don't really want a mirena though, as I seem to be so progesterone intolerant generally (I mean even before the benzos started) I'd be terrified of having it in my system all the time.
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No wonder you have to keep taking them racjen R U scared to stop - how would you describe gradually? I did a gradual withdrawal under the supervision of my GP and it worked. These medications have quite a short 'shelf life' in that the system disposes of the drug within 72 hours generally. My problem was my brain suggestions ::)
I was scared that eating or taking medication would make me feel worse when I was already 'worse' than I had already felt :'( :-\. I never want to feel that ill again.
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Hi all
Does anyone have any experiences/suggestions for anti anxiety meds?
I am not depressed but am fed up with anxiety and all the symptoms it brings.
I have managed to get an appointment with GP in a couple of weeks and would like to hear about others experiences good or bad.
Many thanks
Sue
Hi sue.
I take benedryl for my anxiety. Had bad experience when on vanlafexine and Prozac
A few years ago so won't go back on any perscription drug again too scared.
I started on cetrizine benedryl but after a while started to experience dizziness which can be a
Side effect, so changed to another type of benedryl and been ok up to now on that one
And been on that for ages now.. also the good thing about this particular one is you can take
3 a day if you need to. I've only ever needed up to 2 on a bad day,they seem to work good for me.
Also I tend to get a good nights sleep with them too, Not every night but most nights.
Like I say, I won't go back on perscription drugs..The other thing is with the cetrizine ones
I only had to take half a tablet at night because they made me too tired in the day so half a one was enough. But sadly had to change because of the dizziness.
Hope this helps..
Jillydoll x :)
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Thanks for that jillydoll
I do occasionally take anti histamine at night to help get a good night sleep.
I have had palpitations for 30 years on and off, but the last 2 weeks have had them daily hence the doctors appointment next week. I have been offered Propanolol in the past for headaches/migraines and with my worsening anxiety I am seriously now considering them.
Thanks again
Sue
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Don't do what I did though: buy a 'non-drowsy' anti-histamine ::) [maybe that should be in the 'doing stupid things' thread]
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CLKD, I'd describe withdrawing gradually as reducing your daily dose very very slow and consistently. So in my case, reducing from 15mg to 14mg a day, giving that a couple of weeks to settle, then reducing again by 1mg a day, giving it a couple of weeks etc. etc. As you whittle down the dose you have to also reduce the amount you're reducing by so it stays in proportion ie once you're down to 5mg you'd reduce by 0.5 mg at a time. That's the way that's usually recommended, it's what I did before and yes, it took a long time but it worked. No way would I do it the way you're suggesting, and I've never heard that recommended by a health professional.
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I think you have to bear in mind that this is an area in which we're all completely individual, and also that there are some members of this forum who have suffered from anxiety as a lifelong problem, so their anxiety is a completely different thing to the hormonally induced anxiety most of us are referring to. There are many different ADs available and everyone will give you a recommendation for the one they tried that worked,but there is absolutely no guarantee that that's going to work for you.A lucky few hit on the right one straight away, for many it's a long process of trial and error, and for the unfortunate few (myself included) they simply don't work or give intolerable side-effects. I've tried 8 different ADs and beta-blockers,all caused terrible depression. Currently trying pregabalin which some people here swear by, so far it's done nothing for me. And CKLD, I'm sorry but i still feel your advocacy of benzodiazapenes (Diazepam (valium), lorazepam etc.) is dangerously misguided - you may be able to take them on an even basis over many years, but for most people these are horribly addictive drugs which should only ever be used as a short term emergency measure. Tolerance increases quickly and withdrawal is very difficult - I know, I've been there. And why all the mystery around the 'émergency drug' you mention in these posts but will never name? Why is it such a closely guarded secret?
I agree. You do NOT want to become dependant on ANY benzo I did and in ignorance stopped taking it after 8 months nightly use and spent 3 years with severe mental and physical withdrawal symptoms. I had to go on sickness benefits and I was only 30. My life has never been the same nor has my health.
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Different health professionals racjen. Some GPs deny access to such small amounts ..... but mine has been very supportive.
As long as one is aware that these particular meds can get a grip, one can use with care. One has to realise that they do work and not to panic which is difficult sometimes.
Rescue Remedy can be useful too, I may have said previously. I use the mouth spray with relief.
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Sorry but that's just not good enough - you shouldn't be advocating use of these potentially life-ruining drugs when you have no idea whether people on here will be able to resist the lure of dependency or not. It's not good enough to say it's up to individual health professionals, you also have a responsibility not to give out misleading and potentially dangerous advice based purely on your own experience.
And I don't know what kind of anxiety you suffer from, but Rescue Remedy has absolutely no effect on mine whatsoever - I envy you if it really does help, you've either got a very different consitutition from mine or we have a completely different idea of what anxiety actually means.
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My life was ruined for 2 years because I was misdiagnosed, I was having the most crippling panic attacks more or less 24/7. My GP thought I was a nutcase and denied it was caused by menopause, I was on the devil drug for 1 year and another year to slowly wean back off them. I needed HRT, as simple as that, I had to pay to see Prof Studd, who basically gave me my life back. racjen when the time comes for you to wean off, start off with 10% every 2 weeks until it gets too unbeareable then 5% every 2 weeks. If you feel the need to hold for an extra week or 2 do it. Coming off benzos the way CKLD was told could cause you to have a seizure and you could die. If there was a way to sue my GP I would haven taken her uncaring butt to the cleaners.
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I don't like being slammed on an open forum when I am sharing my experiences which were guidance from my GP for my particular circumstances. Without a very support GP who had time to listen I wouldn't be here. He saved my Life as well as my marriage ......
I also have experience of speaking with other people addicted to various medications who have all been given similar advice. I worked in the NHS as a medical secretary for many years so was involved with quite a few different situations.
Off to start another thread ::)
No one needs to take my advice without consulting a health professional. It is up to the individual to take what they read or are told and see if it will help their particular situation. I have not given out mid-leading information, a quite strange statement. It is not based on 'purely' anything.
I 1st tried Rescue Remedy years ago when it was recommended to me by a Pharmacist. I never looked round to see if it worked/not. I used the spray when anxiety was threatening then got on with the day, realising later that in fact, the anxiety hadn't ballooned. Phew. I still use it if I think a situation will cause me anxiety .......... I'm not a great fan of 'alternatives' nor do I say if it works for me but each time, the anxiety hasn't manifested itself.
However, when anxiety strikes it floors me: there is no background warning: to the point of being suicidal which is when the emergency drug is necessary. Relaxation and logical through processes go out the window :'(.
Someone once told me Abba Fan that a panic attack only lasts 30 mins. at most as the body and brain can't sustain such high levels of anxiety, I could have kicked her into touch. I walked out of that session straight to my GP ........ my longest attack was for 2 nights and 3 days; November 1995; and I shook so badly that my bed moved across the room. I never want to feel that ill again. :'(.
From coping with anxiety such as pre-exam nerves, pre-driving test nerves, moving house nerves, it took over and almost ruined my Life. I never thought that I would leave my house again ..........
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My objection is that you don't just share these things as your own experience, you share them as general advice in quite an authorative way, and in this particular case I think it's more than inappropriate, it's downright dangerous. Sorry if you find me saying that upsetting, but i think it needs to be said.
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I agree Racjen. I have wanted to say this for a long while, but haven't as I felt a bit intimidated, but CLKD does put herself across as an expert in a way that can be quite worrying. Forums like this should be a helpful pat on the back, not a place to get bossy drug advice. I also worry that she posts on everything, but gives the same story each time... I stop using the forum for months as I felt she just popped up whatever my issue was.
Gosh, I can't believe I have written that! Waits to be shot down...
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The written word is static. Sorry if I come across as hard but maybe it's because you disagree or have different experiences to my own, if so share. Don't keep quiet on my behalf. I am quite an expert on my own health issues. Sharing is important, if someone doesn't agree then don't take my advice?
Popped up rebel2? I am probably a lot older than many on here so it stands to reason I will have more experiences ........ forums are about sharing. Offering suggestions. Which can be taken if they suit the individual at that time. There's nothing that I have ever written that says as person 'must do'!
racjen - everything is written as my own experience. It's up to others how they read what is written. I have never stated anything that is dangerous, it is up to the individual to either consider or ignore. I have no control as to how many do that, any more than I am responsible for how others react to the written word.
Face-2-face would be a totally different situation because the written word lacks facial expressions and the opportunity for instant response if that makes sense.
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CLKD my panic attacks were hormonal.
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There is an awful lot on this forum that is stated as fact. I've possibly been guilty of it myself, grammatically.
Even the articles on this forum are, apart from any pure science statements, opinion based and it's up to us all to take in the information, varying opinions and whatever other research we do before making our own decisions.
Even doctors base a lot of their decisions on their own personal opinions, it's what makes them ‘skilled', whilst attempting to follow NICE guidelines (or similar for other countries).
If we remember this then it allows free expression and our individual passions for our own opinions and experiences. We really don't want to discourage anyone from posting passionately, it's just our own personalities coming through.
In support of CLKD, she posts a lot about her situation because that is what she is expert at. I post a lot on alternatives and my love of progesterone. Most others post of their hatred of it. By having a mixed bag it means we can sometimes find that golden nugget that is going to work for us and that is the most important thing.
Let's encourage free expression, and never take this as medical advice, as some of the challenge is what then educates us to find out more about things we may have made damaging assumptions about.
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👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😻
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I'm taking fluoxetine for anxiety and depression and it's working quite well. I would personally not take benzodiazepines though I was offered 6 by the dr.
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Sertraline has been great for me. I had major anxiety debilitating I couldn't go out. Now I could stand and speak in front of thousands. Not had a panic attack in a year. I'm not coming off it anytime soon. Feel back to myself almost!!!!! The menopause is a challenging time and not called the change for nothing. I like to think it has forced me to face my fears and make changes to make myself happier. Not easy though.
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I had crippling anxiety suddenly start ,off work for 2 months,then finally decided to give up work as I couldn't cope . Diazepam was a true life saver for me,obviously only my personal experience. I was made aware by gp to treat them as a short term aid,only 2 mg up to 4 times a day ,which gave me some much needed respite from it all. During this time I was trying different anti anxiety meds until I found one that worked for me . When I did I stopped the diazepam but I still always have a couple to hand, on the rare occasions now thankfully,to use as an when. I found the solution that works and is suitable for me luckily and I believe that is what we all need to do. It's all trial and error,we're all unique and will all differ in our approaches. I can read everyone's experiences and then make my own mind up as I'm sure we all can do . Here's to hoping we all find out answers !😀
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The problem comes when you find, like me, that you've tried every anxiety med going and none of them work, or they give you such awful side effects you can't stand them (if you were given the choice of crippling anxiety or suicidal depression, which would you choose?) I'm in a situation where I have to find a way of managing the anxiety on a daily basis for an unspecified length of time, with no relief except for ever-increasing doses of diazepam, or self-medication with alcohol. Who wouldn't get addicted in that situation?
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racjen have you tried CBT, counselling or exercise for your anxiety? I've struggled with suicidal thoughts and ended up in A&E a couple of times. I've had counselling with a brilliant therapist on the nhs. I ride my bike a lot and a long hard ride can move my mood from suicidal to euphoric.
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Wilks - my problems began within moments of being born so my reactions were stuck from day 1. Yep. Been through various types of counselling some really helped: discuss, decide, ditch ........ other therapists had no idea how my problems affected me, 1 even admitted that I knew more than she did ::). I tried Claire Weekes books too but thought that she couldn't remember when she was writing them, how anxiety actually feels so didn't gain any help, but others have found them a life saver.
Suicidal depression or tripping ? blasted predictive text ? crippling anxiety - in my health history one feeds off the other very often and I know that the Beta-blocka plus the emergency med work for me so anxiety if I really had to decide. It took 5 different ADs in the 1988/89 B4 my GP found one that didn't make me feel worse.
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Yes thanks but I've tried all the counselling and talking therapy going, plus regular exercise and good diet, relaxation CDs etc. Nothing shifts it - once it's there it's there till it decides to leave. I think that is the nature of hormonal anxiety, certainly in my case.
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hi
i would like to thank everyone for their input on their experiences with meds.
Thank you CLKD for your PM, i am unable to reply to messages for some reason, but thank you for reaching out to me.
I have my GP appt tomorrow where i was going to ask for propranolol for my migraines/headaches and anxiety. However my palps have been daily for 3 weeks now which I have suffered from intermittently starting with my first pregnancy nearly 30 years ago.
Is it unlikely she will give me a prescription tomorrow as I am assuming tests on palps wil be required, or could i just not take them on any day ecgs would take place?
Health anxiety spiralling as usual.
Thanks again for reading
Sue
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You probably can't reply because you haven't done enough posts ;-)
Maybe take a list of symptoms and questions 2 the appt. and jot down the answers?
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Would your palpitations not be part of your anxiety problem rather than a heart issue?
Bramble
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How did the appt. go?
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Hi
I went into the appt determined to not go into melt down and keep it coherent, that lasted 30 seconds.
I did manage to explain though my symptoms and how paralyzing the anxiety is at the moment.
She was very sympathetic and kind and reassured me that she was pretty confidant given my history the palpitations were anxiety driven rather than a heart problem.
She ordered bloods and I am having an ecg monday morning.
She prescribed 2 x 40g propanolol to take in two doses over a day.
Overall it felt great to off load to someone about how I am feeling and what stresses I have in my life.
I took the propranolol as soon as I got home and yes I did feel a little slowed down, but the palpitations were greatly reduced and much more subdued. I dont know if that is down to the relief of speaking to her or the tablets but I think it was the drugs. I also had a good talk with my husband as he has been asking me for a while if anything is wrong, I told him I cant talk to family about my health anxiety as I dont want to worry them and I know I will get so upset if I talk about it. Unfortunately I cant hide things well for long.
Does anyone else feel they cant talk about their health anxiety and just want to lock themselves away from everyone?
Thanks again,
Sue
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I stopped telling family about any health issues. My very good GP and loving husband have been my rocks since 1988. Even so, I don't always open up if my anxiety is background but when I begin to falter DH tells me to 'take the tablet now' ::) as he knows it will knock panic on the head.