Extreme anxiety

Dragons

This will sound weird but can constant extreme anxiety make you feel like your on a drug you cant come down from?
Even in work if its been really busy and ive worked through my anxiety i still feel like theres a drug in my system and when it goes or wares off il feel like myself again

RhubarbCrumble

Yes. It sounds very much like adrenalin which can happen a lot with anxiety. Just as an example, before a race you have adrenalin running through your body because you're all fired up to go and as you run you're using it up and wearing it out. When you're anxious you have the same thing going through you but because you're not physically doing anything with it, it stays with you for an awful lot longer. It's sometimes called the 'fight or flight' reaction too.

Dragons

RhubarbCrumble wrote: »

Yes. It sounds very much like adrenalin which can happen a lot with anxiety. Just as an example, before a race you have adrenalin running through your body because you're all fired up to go and as you run you're using it up and wearing it out. When you're anxious you have the same thing going through you but because you're not physically doing anything with it, it stays with you for an awful lot longer. It's sometimes called the 'fight or flight' reaction too.

Thank you for your reply.
I started taking anti anxiety meds a few weeks ago.i read up and was ready for most of the side affects like,panic and depression but ive been getting derealization and depetsonalization which i wasnt prepared for.very scary stuff and when it hits me it feels like its never going to get better.
My dopamine levels are still getting settled for the tabs so most of the time i know it will get better but when a downer hits me its terrifying.thank you for your reassuring advice

pinksoir

Yeah, intense anxiety feels like taking some sort of psychotropic drugs (at least it did for me). It's the adrenaline. Meds take a while to kick in, but if it persists report it to your GP.

It will get better! One of the most disconcerting things with the throes of anxiety is the fear that it may never end and you'll feel like this forever. It will and you won't.

Dragons

Thanks very much,it always makes you feel better to know that someone has went through the same but come out the otherside better.
My tablets have started to kick in now a little.most of my depression is gone,only hits me at night before i get home from work.
I still feel constantly that something is wrong and have anxiety but its no longer fight or flight terror all the time.
Still have a way to go but im hopeful now it will go away eventually

SterlingArcher

Dragons wrote: »

Thanks very much,it always makes you feel better to know that someone has went through the same but come out the otherside better.
My tablets have started to kick in now a little.most of my depression is gone,only hits me at night before i get home from work.
I still feel constantly that something is wrong and have anxiety but its no longer fight or flight terror all the time.
Still have a way to go but im hopeful now it will go away eventually

Most times our bodies are in auto pilot and we don't even realise it.

Breathing techniques can help. You can use these to emulate the anxiety producing adrenaline but in a controlled way. This can then be used to naturally counter when you are genuinely anxious and bring it under your control.

I'd recommend at least trying these types of methods alongside what you are doing now. You shouldn't be dependant on medication for obvious reasons.

Dragons

SterlingArcher wrote: »

Most times our bodies are in auto pilot and we don't even realise it.

Breathing techniques can help. You can use these to emulate the anxiety producing adrenaline but in a controlled way. This can then be used to naturally counter when you are genuinely anxious and bring it under your control.

I'd recommend at least trying these types of methods alongside what you are doing now. You shouldn't be dependant on medication for obvious reasons.

Thank you😊
I have tried a few techniques but i need my sink!
My go to technique is cold water in a sink,cup my hands in the water and say "1" out loud.pour the water over my face and say "2".then cup my hands with water again and take a small slow drink and say "3".it really helps slow my heart rate and snap me out of it.
Im waiting a week for my tabs to fully kick in then im straight into counciling and CBT.

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Thank you😊
I have tried a few techniques but i need my sink!
My go to technique is cold water in a sink,cup my hands in the water and say "1" out loud.pour the water over my face and say "2".then cup my hands with water again and take a small slow drink and say "3".it really helps slow my heart rate and snap me out of it.
Im waiting a week for my tabs to fully kick in then im straight into counciling and CBT.

Really bad day today,thought i was getting better each day but severe anxiety and depression all day.still trying to hope im getting better but it doesnt feel like it anymore

JupiterKid

Dragons wrote: »

Really bad day today,thought i was getting better each day but severe anxiety and depression all day.still trying to hope im getting better but it doesnt feel like it anymore

Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. I also suffer from anxiety problems and would suggest going back to you doctor to see if you can get your meds tweaked/changed. Also have you thought of doing physical excersize, like swimming or jogging or walking? I find it burns off a lot of energy and stress and an feel better afterwards.

Also, look into CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). It can really help. I wish you well.

Dragons

JupiterKid wrote: »

Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. I also suffer from anxiety problems and would suggest going back to you doctor to see if you can get your meds tweaked/changed. Also have you thought of doing physical excersize, like swimming or jogging or walking? I find it burns off a lot of energy and stress and an feel better afterwards.

Also, look into CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). It can really help. I wish you well.

Thank you jupiderKid
I am going out jogging when i can and it helps but ive had 2 good days out of 7 so havnt been able.
I only had social anxiety when i started taking the citalopram a few weeks ago.i was also getting thr odd migrane.
First few weeks i got more anxious and had sime insomnia but a half of xanax would take it away.3 weeks into taking them i left my tabs at my mothers house snd because of work it was 3 days till i got them back and took it again.
I took it for 2 days then had a complete breakdown panic attack,ended up in hospital.all checked out was physically fine so i thought the tablets werent agreeing with me so i missed another 3 tabs.
Ive had anxiety and panic attacks on and off but got derealisation and depetsonalization which is thr scariest thing I've ever went through.went to doctor told him what was happening.
I was an idiot and missed 3 doses which meant the citrol had left my system.i took it for 2 days then freaked out and missed another 3 doses,effectively went cold turkey twice in the space of 8 days.ive taken it regularly for 7 days since but its like starting again fresh,only with 10 times the anxiety.
I need to wait till it builds back up in my system but everyday feels like a week.
The worst part is knowing its my own stupid fault

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Thank you jupiderKid
I am going out jogging when i can and it helps but ive had 2 good days out of 7 so havnt been able.
I only had social anxiety when i started taking the citalopram a few weeks ago.i was also getting thr odd migrane.
First few weeks i got more anxious and had sime insomnia but a half of xanax would take it away.3 weeks into taking them i left my tabs at my mothers house snd because of work it was 3 days till i got them back and took it again.
I took it for 2 days then had a complete breakdown panic attack,ended up in hospital.all checked out was physically fine so i thought the tablets werent agreeing with me so i missed another 3 tabs.
Ive had anxiety and panic attacks on and off but got derealisation and depetsonalization which is thr scariest thing I've ever went through.went to doctor told him what was happening.
I was an idiot and missed 3 doses which meant the citrol had left my system.i took it for 2 days then freaked out and missed another 3 doses,effectively went cold turkey twice in the space of 8 days.ive taken it regularly for 7 days since but its like starting again fresh,only with 10 times the anxiety.
I need to wait till it builds back up in my system but everyday feels like a week.
The worst part is knowing its my own stupid fault

Having a good day todayðŸ˜
A bit anxious and weird but not so many bad thoughts and im optimistic that im getting better.
I was also able to eat today so happy days

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Having a good day todayðŸ˜
A bit anxious and weird but not so many bad thoughts and im optimistic that im getting better.
I was also able to eat today so happy days

Ok so a few days on now and the tablets have given me nothing but constant panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.all i can think is i cant continue on like this anymore.rang suicide hotline,contacted local mental health clinic,was just told to up my dose as there are no beds available anywhere for me.i just keep walking and walking but cant get away from these constant intrusive thoughts.im gemuinely afraid i might harm myself because its so bad

Ive had a complete mental breakdown and cant cope but cant get help anywhere

shesty

Is there a close friend or relative you could go stay with for a bit?And tell them where your head is at, that you need a bit of support for a couple of days?I'm sorry, I'm not that sure of the mental health system but I'd imagine the drugs need to be looked at again??I know I've heard people have gone to A&E for help when there are no other options, and given it's weekend, maybe that's what you need to do, just to get you out of the immediate situation of being on your own and thinking like this?Sorry, I'm probably not much help

Dragons

shesty wrote: »

Is there a close friend or relative you could go stay with for a bit?And tell them where your head is at, that you need a bit of support for a couple of days?I'm sorry, I'm not that sure of the mental health system but I'd imagine the drugs need to be looked at again??I know I've heard people have gone to A&E for help when there are no other options, and given it's weekend, maybe that's what you need to do, just to get you out of the immediate situation of being on your own and thinking like this?Sorry, I'm probably not much help

Thank you,you were helpful.
I walked straight up to my local out of hours gp and fell apart.told him how i was as a person before these meds started and what they have turned me into now.he actually got angry and started shouting at how bad i was.
Told me to stop the meds immediately and said no one with side effects like this could be expected to carry on on them

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Really sorry to hear you're going through this op. I know it's a very tough battle. Just in case you didn't know coming off the tablets will be a bit grim too but each day it'll get a bit less strong.

Is there a source of extreme anxiety in your life? Obviously only share what you want here but if there is an illness in the family or extreme pressure in work that can contribute. In some cases a combination of small things can push you over the edge too.

Dragons

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Really sorry to hear you're going through this op. I know it's a very tough battle. Just in case you didn't know coming off the tablets will be a bit grim too but each day it'll get a bit less strong.

Is there a source of extreme anxiety in your life? Obviously only share what you want here but if there is an illness in the family or extreme pressure in work that can contribute. In some cases a combination of small things can push you over the edge too.

I started taking the medication for migranes.i had no depression and minor social anxiety before i started these tablets.have had all side effects from the word go,head pharmacist just told me the side effects should have went away after 2 weeks.ive to taper off these now,half for 3 days tgen half that for 3 days again.
Cant believe this nightmare started over 6 weeks ago over a migrane.i know it will be rough 2 weeks but so glad im coming off them and so glad a doctor finally listened to me.thank you for commenting.

Thank you all

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Stay strong if you can. And be kind to yourself. Best of luck

Dragons

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Stay strong if you can. And be kind to yourself. Best of luck

Thank you so much for your kind words.they mean a lot right now

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Thank you so much for your kind words.they mean a lot right now

Im going to just not take anymore and get them out of my system asap.
Does any one know if withdrawal will be bad after a few weeks on the lowest dose?
Thank you

zl1whqvjs75cdy

What dose and medication you on? This can affect how quickly you'll eliminate it .

Dragons

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

What dose and medication you on? This can affect how quickly you'll eliminate it .

Ive been on 10mg citalopram for 6 weeks.have taken 5mg the last 2 nights.i dont know if im being optimistic but i was feeling down rather than anxious today.wrnt for a 3k walk and cleaned my apartement grom top to bottom.the constant negative thoughts are at 90% now.im actually thinking positive every now and again today

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Ive been on 10mg citalopram for 6 weeks.have taken 5mg the last 2 nights.i dont know if im being optimistic but i was feeling down rather than anxious today.wrnt for a 3k walk and cleaned my apartement grom top to bottom.the constant negative thoughts are at 90% now.im actually thinking positive every now and again today

I dont feel like im up on a drug so hopefully im taking to it being lower in my system.goimg to doctor tomorrow to see how soon i xan safely stop these evil f%#@king pills and all their side effects

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Long half life on that one, 35 hours according to a quick Google. So every 35 hours you'll get rid of half your dose. Typically takes 4 half lives to eliminate a drug from your system so once you stop it should take 140 hours to be cleared. But your gp will know better than me

Dragons

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Long half life on that one, 35 hours according to a quick Google. So every 35 hours you'll get rid of half your dose. Typically takes 4 half lives to eliminate a drug from your system so once you stop it should take 140 hours to be cleared. But your gp will know better than me

Thank you

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Thank you

Its official!!!
Doctor told me not to take anymore tablets.i was on 10mg which is half the starting dose for anyone taking them.i took 5mg for 3 days so he said i can stop right now.because ive a fast motabalism and im small from loosing so much weight it will clear my system in 2 days.he said il feel more like myself again when its gone and the panic and bad thoughts it caused will get better each day.

Thank you for your support through this.id say ive a rough few days ahead but im optimistic il get through it.
Fighting off a panic attack right now but im smiling with relief at the same time.its mad.im mad.but hopefully its going to get better and i can be a slightly anxious but fully functioning person again

shesty

Been there on the panic attacks, hold in there.You will find ways to manage this.

Dragons

shesty wrote: »

Been there on the panic attacks, hold in there.You will find ways to manage this.

Thanks for that.it is amazing how much a bit of support can mean to someone when they have hit rock bottom.it means a lot.
I didnt take the meds last night.felt so weird but was also so relieved.ive been singing to songs on the radio for 3 days now.my thoughts are sometimes my own now instead of s loop af bad anxious thoughts.instead of thinking something very bad is about to happen im aware that im just getting anxious.small things but its a good change.feel different today.
On a low but not depressed.feel more like myself though.meds will be 100% out of my system tomorrow dont know weather to look forward to it or dread it.its mad

lukesmom

I have one bit of advice for you. 10 years after trying very med, every supplement, every tool - hypnosis, mindfulness, cbt, psychotherapy, drugs, hospital, exercise, positive thinking etc... The list goes on and on and on. And although a few of the above things helped me. The thing that has turned my life around is a book called DARE. Its by an Irish author and has literally changed the way I deal with the anxiety. The anxiety just goes away. It takes away the fear of the symptoms. And when you no longer have the fear, the symptoms go away. I ordered it on Amazon as I couldn't find it in stores. Buy it. Honestly.

Dragons

lukesmom wrote: »

I have one bit of advice for you. 10 years after trying very med, every supplement, every tool - hypnosis, mindfulness, cbt, psychotherapy, drugs, hospital, exercise, positive thinking etc... The list goes on and on and on. And although a few of the above things helped me. The thing that has turned my life around is a book called DARE. Its by an Irish author and has literally changed the way I deal with the anxiety. The anxiety just goes away. It takes away the fear of the symptoms. And when you no longer have the fear, the symptoms go away. I ordered it on Amazon as I couldn't find it in stores. Buy it. Honestly.

Thsnk you,il defo give it a read.its only 255 pages so should fly through it.

As an update,
Because of very bad withdrawal effects i was in a psychiatric hospital for 4 days.was pumped full of different ssri's snd found one that suits alot better.
Taking my 13th tablet tonight,still constant anxiety and panic but im eating properly and sleeping properly now.
The anxiety is like a little devil whispering on my shoulder telling me that something is wrong or about to happen.i try just to keep busy with plenty of walking.
I just focus,ask myself have i any physical symptoms and that helps me ignore it but its always there.
Im fighting the good fight but some days are better than others.
Im counting each day in the hope that these meds will kick in and give me a hand but they take time.
Started counciling 2 weeks ago also so i think im doing all i can at the minute to tell this anxiety to $#@% off!!sorry but im angry its been over 8 weeks since this started,desperately need to get back to living my life again.
Thanks all for the advice

lukesmom

Dragons wrote: »

Thsnk you,il defo give it a read.its only 255 pages so should fly through it.

As an update,
Because of very bad withdrawal effects i was in a psychiatric hospital for 4 days.was pumped full of different ssri's snd found one that suits alot better.
Taking my 13th tablet tonight,still constant anxiety and panic but im eating properly and sleeping properly now.
The anxiety is like a little devil whispering on my shoulder telling me that something is wrong or about to happen.i try just to keep busy with plenty of walking.
I just focus,ask myself have i any physical symptoms and that helps me ignore it but its always there.
Im fighting the good fight but some days are better than others.
Im counting each day in the hope that these meds will kick in and give me a hand but they take time.
Started counciling 2 weeks ago also so i think im doing all i can at the minute to tell this anxiety to $#@% off!!sorry but im angry its been over 8 weeks since this started,desperately need to get back to living my life again.
Thanks all for the advice

Do read it you won't be sorry. From the 1st page I knew I was going to get better. I also take medication. I know exactly how you feel, I know how scary it is. Please hang on in there. It will get better soon. I also sympathise with you being in a psych ward, been there too with severe anxiety although I spent 6 weeks in total. You ever need to talk pm me because anxiety has been my middle name for about 10 years and I'm dealing with it very well

Stuckforcash

Derealisation is horrendous. I thought I'd never snap out of it but eventually is subsided. I took up tennis and started learning an instrument. After a panic attack it comes back but I've found I can snap out of it much faster now by powering through and keeping my mind as active as possible. Good luck OP I know it's hard and most people can't comprehend the feeling you're describing, but it does end!

Dragons

Stuckforcash wrote: »

Derealisation is horrendous. I thought I'd never snap out of it but eventually is subsided. I took up tennis and started learning an instrument. After a panic attack it comes back but I've found I can snap out of it much faster now by powering through and keeping my mind as active as possible. Good luck OP I know it's hard and most people can't comprehend the feeling you're describing, but it does end!

Thank you so much,
Im out and about everyday as im out of work till i get better.im walking at least 5k everyday and going to different places to keep myself distracted.just wish these meds would stop making me worse all the time.if i have a good day its always followed by a bad one.thats ok though but yesterday evening i felt absolutely great,running around cleaning apartement,making dinner,actually laughing out loud at things.
Then today hit me like a bomb,the world felt strange from when i woke up and its been that way since.im hoping the meds are just evening out and stadting to work but my god is it scary.
Ive had anxiety for years but not depression like this.im used to thinking something bad is about to happen from anxiety but the "everything is wrong" depression scares the hell out of me.
Just hoping tomorrow is a better day.
Thanks again

Dragons

Dragons wrote: »

Thank you so much,
Im out and about everyday as im out of work till i get better.im walking at least 5k everyday and going to different places to keep myself distracted.just wish these meds would stop making me worse all the time.if i have a good day its always followed by a bad one.thats ok though but yesterday evening i felt absolutely great,running around cleaning apartement,making dinner,actually laughing out loud at things.
Then today hit me like a bomb,the world felt strange from when i woke up and its been that way since.im hoping the meds are just evening out and stadting to work but my god is it scary.
Ive had anxiety for years but not depression like this.im used to thinking something bad is about to happen from anxiety but the "everything is wrong" depression scares the hell out of me.
Just hoping tomorrow is a better day.
Thanks again

How do i find the anxiety forum on this site please?