Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Michelle46 on May 09, 2025, 03:54:03 PM
-
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?
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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?
-
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!
-
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?
-
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.
-
:bighug: 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?
-
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
-
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 :o 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 8)
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! :
-
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.
-
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.
-
I start to feel a bit better by 8 pm and think oh tomorrow I could do this.....but no..
-
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 :o :-\. 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 ;D because I don't want people watching me trying to reverse ::).
-
if you feel the need to talk to someone here is a link.
https://www.mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon
be as proactive for yourself as possible or your husband for you.
There will be a psychiatrist heading a Community Mental Health team but nurses who generally will come out to you if that will be the case in your circumstance.
-
R U sleeping?
-
I start to feel a bit better by 8 pm and think oh tomorrow I could do this.....but no..
Maybe you could try to do something at that time? Baby steps but something you can say you did that builds your confidence. After my surgery I hid away refusing to do anything, go anywhere, etc. and when I did go out it was with OH and I hid behind him, but then I would force myself to do the smallest thing on my own and celebrate that achievement. Very very slowly I was able to do slightly more and slightly more. It takes time and being kind to yourself.
-
I do take the car out for a little drive in the early evenings when possible. I go for a little walk each day. I'm really trying to do more but if I push myself too hard and don't achieve it I feel worse.
-
I understand - I would often rush home :-\ and then worry that I would never leave the house!
-
CLKD I sleep about 6 hours due to taking the mirtazapine which isn't doing anything for my anxiety and makes me like a zombie the next day. I will be trying to taper off over a few months soon I think.
Problem is I've suffered such bad insomnia over 25 years. Averaging 7hours a week at times. This is why my gp prescribed it.
-
CLKD you got over it though. Well the agoraphobia part?
-
Mostly. At times the phobia overtakes me so I have trouble making plans :-\
Now I don't think about whether I can go out spontaneously we simply go. I never thought that would happen!