Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 396619

Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

This is probably a stupid question

Posted by krisdance83 on September 28, 2004, at 22:50:47

Ok, I posted a few months ago about some ongoing problems I've been having w/ my health. I have an inner ear problem that makes me dizzy, I've been having many intestinal and digestive problems, I am constantly lightheaded and short of breath. Just as a side note: I am also very phobic of vomitting. This is the thing: throughout all of this illness I have been getting this choked up, uncomfortable feeling in my throat and on the back of my tongue like I could gag or vomit at any second. It was off and on when this started in April but has been constant now for about a month. When I get this feeling badly I begin to panic because I'm scared to throw up. It helps me to chew a piece of strong mint gum and lately when it's bad I take 0.5mg of Ativan. The main question I came in to ask is, will I become addicted if I have to go on taking one of these pills per day for a while until this is resolved? How long does it take to become addicted to the stuff? It seems to be the only thing that makes me keep my sanity because I get so panicked.

Does anyone with bad anxiety get this feeling in their throat? My doctors say it could be related to the problems w/ my digestive system and also that it could be my anxiety getting worse. BBUUTT the reason I HAVE SO MUCH anxiety is BECAUSE I've been so sick lately!! SO how can the sick feeling BE anxiety if the sick feeling is WHY I feel anxious? Does that make any sense to anyone? I hope that made sense. I just don't see how the anxiety is what's making me sick if the reason I feel anxious in the first place is BECAUSE I'm sick!

One more question: Let's say I did give the Lexapro a try to see if it really is anxiety...will I be stuck on medication for the rest of my natural life? IF the reason I feel so sick now is because of my anxiety then I'm worried that I'll never be able to get off medication.

Can anxiety make one this PHYSICALLY ill?? I have been horribly sick for six months. I've had many medical tests and have appointments for many more.

Thanks for any help!!

 

Re: This is probably a stupid question

Posted by Racer on September 28, 2004, at 23:33:37

In reply to This is probably a stupid question, posted by krisdance83 on September 28, 2004, at 22:50:47

First of all, yes -- you can be getting this sensation from anxiety, even if the anxiety is caused by being sick and feeling as if you're about to be sick. It sounds to me as if your doctor could indeed be right.

As for the Lexapro, no, you won't be committing yourself to taking it for life. If your mental state is contributing to your physical problems -- which it can certainly do, much more than you may be aware -- taking something to help can both clarify the physical problems by removing that aspect, and also help alleviate some of the distress you feel. Whether or not Lexapro is the right med for you will depend on your body chemistry. Choosing anti-depressants is always hit or miss, but give it a chance.

Have you had a barium swallow? I assume you have, but just checking.

I hope this helps, and hope it all gets sorted out soon.

 

Re: This is probably a stupid question

Posted by boomarang on September 28, 2004, at 23:41:59

In reply to This is probably a stupid question, posted by krisdance83 on September 28, 2004, at 22:50:47

the barium swallow test is a good suggestion. I had that done and discovered a stricture in my throat that was causing food to have a hard time making it's way down my throat. This results in that feeling that food is backing up. In 20 minutes (or so) they can knock you out and go in and stretch out your esophagus to fix the problem. I have that done every two years.

 

Re: This is probably a stupid question

Posted by King Vultan on September 28, 2004, at 23:49:02

In reply to This is probably a stupid question, posted by krisdance83 on September 28, 2004, at 22:50:47

You might want to try a tricyclic AD instead. I have not experienced it personally, but many people seem to suffer nausea and GI problems on SSRIs. The tricyclics seem better, maybe because of their histamine blockades, maybe because they don't work as much on serotonin as SSRIs do. Have you been taking something for your GI problems? I know that many of the antihistamines have antiemetic properties.

Todd

 

Re: This is probably a stupid question

Posted by woolav on September 29, 2004, at 8:58:04

In reply to Re: This is probably a stupid question, posted by Racer on September 28, 2004, at 23:33:37

Hey, just wanted to address the question you asked about addiction to ativan on .5mg daily. Highly doubtfull. Unless you have a history of drug/alcohol abuse you shouldnt have a problem. I took xanax for years and didnt get addicted and am now taking ativan too.


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