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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
I have yet to find someone with the same problem as me and was wondering if someone can help for the last 3-4 years i've been extremly jumpy and on edge and i'm currently on Effexor 150mg a day but i've been taking that for 2 weeks and nothing seems to have changed and I seem to lack energy. Something happened in college which triggered it off and i've been unable to relax ever since, i've not been able to hold down a job due to the public humiliation and now i've come to the end of the line (well thats the way it feels). I now can't relax when in the room with 1 person and I think to myself what is happening to me, suicide seems the easy way out but i'm fed up with missing out on life and i'm only 21.
Help anyone had similar problems
Kev
Posted by Snoozy on April 15, 2003, at 15:14:04
In reply to Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
Hi Kev-
do you have this extreme anxiety just around people, or is it always there? Have you noticed any changes since you started the Effexor?
Also, have you had a thorough physical checkout by a doctor? Sorry if this sounds like the Inquisition - just trying to get a better understanding of your anxiety. Believe me, there are many people who know just what you're going through. You are not alone.
> I have yet to find someone with the same problem as me and was wondering if someone can help for the last 3-4 years i've been extremly jumpy and on edge and i'm currently on Effexor 150mg a day but i've been taking that for 2 weeks and nothing seems to have changed and I seem to lack energy. Something happened in college which triggered it off and i've been unable to relax ever since, i've not been able to hold down a job due to the public humiliation and now i've come to the end of the line (well thats the way it feels). I now can't relax when in the room with 1 person and I think to myself what is happening to me, suicide seems the easy way out but i'm fed up with missing out on life and i'm only 21.
>
> Help anyone had similar problems
>
> Kev
Posted by daizy on April 15, 2003, at 16:29:29
In reply to Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
> I have yet to find someone with the same problem as me and was wondering if someone can help for the last 3-4 years i've been extremly jumpy and on edge and i'm currently on Effexor 150mg a day but i've been taking that for 2 weeks and nothing seems to have changed and I seem to lack energy. Something happened in college which triggered it off and i've been unable to relax ever since, i've not been able to hold down a job due to the public humiliation and now i've come to the end of the line (well thats the way it feels). I now can't relax when in the room with 1 person and I think to myself what is happening to me, suicide seems the easy way out but i'm fed up with missing out on life and i'm only 21.
>
> Help anyone had similar problems
>
> KevYour not alone Kev, I suffer with sever anxiety aswell, its been longer than a year now and I still have it bad. I sometimes think it wont ever go away but you just have to hope you know!, dont give up, if the effexor hasnt worked then there is something out there that will (well thats what I keep telling myself!), make sure you go and see a pdoc. Just remember that it takes time. Good Luck
Posted by Ed on April 15, 2003, at 18:44:29
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by daizy on April 15, 2003, at 16:29:29
> > I have yet to find someone with the same problem as me and was wondering if someone can help for the last 3-4 years i've been extremly jumpy and on edge and i'm currently on Effexor 150mg a day but i've been taking that for 2 weeks and nothing seems to have changed and I seem to lack energy. Something happened in college which triggered it off and i've been unable to relax ever since, i've not been able to hold down a job due to the public humiliation and now i've come to the end of the line (well thats the way it feels). I now can't relax when in the room with 1 person and I think to myself what is happening to me, suicide seems the easy way out but i'm fed up with missing out on life and i'm only 21.
> >
> > Help anyone had similar problems
> >
> > Kev
>
>Kev, have you tried a benzo like klonopin? If klonopin works, then you certainly aren't alone! Indeed, you are like any one of millions of folks who suffer from anxiety. If klonopin doesn't relieve your discomfort for the most part, though, then it may not be routine anxiety and you have to get a decent medical work up. Good luck!
Posted by linkadge on April 15, 2003, at 19:30:40
In reply to Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
Am in my first year of university and no AD would help this persistant feeling I had that
I could't not stop. It was like a force allways
telling me I could do better. Whenever a competition was posed I could not resist and
the thought of winning simultainiously drew me
in an made me want to commit suicide.My heart beat, my stomach churned and the 'sick'
feeling of always being activated was constant.The only thing that has cleared all of these symptoms is lithium. I've finally gone through my first week without wanting to dies. You do have to time it around it around your schedule
but I feel like I want to go on again.Remember if your treatment isn't working
there is always another option
Good LuckLinkadge
Posted by Viridis on April 15, 2003, at 21:16:30
In reply to Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
Anxiety problems are widespread and seriously interfere with many people's lives. I had severe, recurring anxiety for years, and various antidepressants just made things worse. I now take Klonopin, and it's been a tremendous help (along with occasional Xanax).
There are so many possible treatments that you're almost certain to find something that works for you -- it may just take some trial and error. If you aren't seeing a psychiatrist, I'd strongly urge you to find a good one. Most GPs just aren't knowledgeable enough to deal with serious mental problems, and many simply hand out endless antidepressants (like Effexor) that can make anxiety worse for many people.
It's much too early to give up, because the chances are excellent that you'll find a successful treatment. It's well worth seeing a psychiatrist (preferably one who specializes in anxiety disorders), and if the first one doesn't work out, see another, until you find someone you trust, who understands your condition.
Posted by Mimi on April 15, 2003, at 21:32:25
In reply to Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by Kevin123 on April 15, 2003, at 14:53:12
>Kev,
No, no, no, don't commit hari kari at 21. I suffered from paralyzing anxiety & depression for many many years (I'm 43 and only found treatment at 37). Buspar is a wonder drug for anxiety. I take 15mg. 2X day and could not do my job without it. Hang in there. AP's worked some for my depression. MIMI
I have yet to find someone with the same problem as me and was wondering if someone can help for the last 3-4 years i've been extremly jumpy and on edge and i'm currently on Effexor 150mg a day but i've been taking that for 2 weeks and nothing seems to have changed and I seem to lack energy. Something happened in college which triggered it off and i've been unable to relax ever since, i've not been able to hold down a job due to the public humiliation and now i've come to the end of the line (well thats the way it feels). I now can't relax when in the room with 1 person and I think to myself what is happening to me, suicide seems the easy way out but i'm fed up with missing out on life and i'm only 21.
>
> Help anyone had similar problems
>
> Kev
Posted by Mimi on April 15, 2003, at 21:45:55
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like thi » Kevin123, posted by Viridis on April 15, 2003, at 21:16:30
> Anxiety problems are widespread and seriously interfere with many people's lives. I had severe, recurring anxiety for years, and various antidepressants just made things worse. I now take Klonopin, and it's been a tremendous help (along with occasional Xanax).
>
> There are so many possible treatments that you're almost certain to find something that works for you -- it may just take some trial and error. If you aren't seeing a psychiatrist, I'd strongly urge you to find a good one. Most GPs just aren't knowledgeable enough to deal with serious mental problems, and many simply hand out endless antidepressants (like Effexor) that can make anxiety worse for many people.
>
> It's much too early to give up, because the chances are excellent that you'll find a successful treatment. It's well worth seeing a psychiatrist (preferably one who specializes in anxiety disorders), and if the first one doesn't work out, see another, until you find someone you trust, who understands your condition.I would not recommend klonopin unless you have a very strong constitution as it is addictive and very sedating. I think Buspar is a far superior med and I have been on each one for a substantial period of time.
MIMI
Posted by yourshadowself on April 15, 2003, at 22:14:50
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?) » Kevin123, posted by Mimi on April 15, 2003, at 21:32:25
Kevin-
I had problems with anxiety before i got on meds,
but usually if it got bad enough i would have a
panic attack and black out and whenever i came back
things seemed to be better for the time being...
But anyway, while you are finding out which meds
are right for you, you could try some non med things
like breathing exersizes or aerobic exersize. Before
I was on meds i would run in the morning and at night
and that seemed to help things. (you could always
walk or use an aerobic machine also.) My therapist
recommended breathing exersizes and they helped
when i did them. I just laid in my bed in my room
(ALONE) in the dark, (with the door safely shut and
locked) and then i took slow deep breaths and
tried to focus only on my breathing. It takes some
patience and its not that fun in the begining, but
doing that gave me some relief for at least one part
of my day, so that the rest of my day was a little
more managable.ALSO, you have been on effexor for 2 weeks, it may
not be in sync with your body yet. When i took
effexor i was hyper in the begining.
But if you have a feeling like you are poisioning
yourself by taking it, get off it. I have stayed on
other meds in the past that were no good for me
because i didnt listen to my body's "this is
poison" message.FINALLY, you're 21, and thats young, (i am young too)
and i think its rough being young and having these
problems and having to try so hard to find some sense
of "normal" espically when all of our peers are running
around seemingly so carefree and seemingly taking
for granted their own mental health. So you aren't
alone. I am here too!OH YEAH, just from reading the other posts on this
site, i would say watch out for effexor withdrawl,
and dont drink alcohol on effexor!it gets better even though it doesnt seem like it will.
love, shadow
Posted by Questionmark on April 15, 2003, at 23:31:28
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?), posted by yourshadowself on April 15, 2003, at 22:14:50
Hey. Yeah don't stay on Effexor if you don't find it helping you enough. Give it 4 weeks or so maybe. For severe anxiety Effexor may only be so-so.
Listen, don't give up and step out before at least trying these meds (and maybe some good therapy as well): Klonopin (clonazepam), which is often really helpful; Buspar(buspirone) or Serzone or an SSRI; and the hallowed Nardil (phenelzine). Honestly, do not give up before trying Klonopin and Nardil especially. They work wonders for some people. Good luck to you.
Posted by Viridis on April 16, 2003, at 0:58:50
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like this?) » Kevin123, posted by Mimi on April 15, 2003, at 21:32:25
Buspar may be good for some people, but my impression is that it has a fairly low success rate (I've never tried it). There's no evidence that Klonopin is addictive for the vast majority of anxiety patients, although it can cause dependency, as can many other drugs. "Addiction" is a strong term that's often misused. If Klonopin is addictive, then Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, insulin, etc. are much more so.
I agree that Klonopin can be sedating, but for me (and many others here) that side effect wore off very quickly.
But if Buspar works that's great!
Posted by Mimi on April 16, 2003, at 8:20:36
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like thi » Mimi, posted by Viridis on April 16, 2003, at 0:58:50
Viridis,
Good to know. Thanks, MIMI
Posted by bretbe on April 17, 2003, at 0:01:47
In reply to Re: Severe ANXIETY (anyone out there feel like thi » Mimi, posted by Viridis on April 16, 2003, at 0:58:50
I agree with Viridis, for those fortunate enough to have Buspar work...great! However, many people, such as myself, had no such luck with Buspar, in fact, it made my anxiety much worse similar to my reaction on Welbutrin. Klonopin however can take me from the depths of despair. If Kevin is suffering, I'd hate for a possible life saver to be eliminated!!!
Posted by Kevin123 on April 17, 2003, at 14:09:03
In reply to In defense of Klonopin...thanks Viridis, posted by bretbe on April 17, 2003, at 0:01:47
Answer to your questions I have seen a pyschiatrist (spelling may be wrong) and at the time didn't really feel as bad (thought I could get throught it on my own, as you do).
But now i'm willing for anyone's advice.
I do try and exercise in the day but find that my energy levels have droped and I see everyone else living there lives and here's me stood still and seeminly going no where. And to think I was working in a Nursery only a few weeks ago, coping with 3 days a week (only 3 hours a day, but hey thats not bad with kids) but was coping ok. And since I've been at college I felt so on edge and jumpy that the next day at the Nursery I felt myself losing control and I also had an assesor coming in to acess which made me feel worse and since that day things have spiralled out of control. But I want my old life back or a new one would be nice, I have an appointment to see someone else who specialises in Anxiety.
I'm praying that they have the answers, but who knows.
Thanks for all your kind words.Kev
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