help - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

olgamrt · 10-24-2003, 07:51 PM

hi my name is olga martines my problem is the i cant stop thinking and sometimes i cant sleep because this thinking is like my brain never shut down im feeling stress out im taking paxil at the moment and is helping me in my panic attacks but it dont help me to stop thinking so much if anyone got a advise please let me know .thank you very much

Wittesea · 10-24-2003, 10:13 PM

Hello

I am sorry to hear about your sleeping problems and panic attacks. I have anxiety too and the only way I am able to fall asleep at night is because I take meds to help me fall asleep.

Have you talked to your psychaitrist about not being able to sleep? Mine has always listened to me about my sleep isues because he understands just how important it is for me to get a good night's sleep.

Are you in therapy for your anxiety and panic? Usually Paxil and other meds will work best when you also have some cognitive therapy... I know that it has really helped me to get to the root of my anxiety. Things like- what causes it, and how to best deal with a panic attack and calm myself down.

If it is just your regular family doctor who prescribes your Paxil you might want to think about asking for referrals to see a psychaitrist and a therapist. They would be more knowledgable about the specifics of anxiety and panic attacks and they are better trained to be able to help you.

I hope that you are able to get a good night's sleep tonight

~Wittesea

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Diagnosis-
Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, Raynauds, Endometriosis, Sicca Symdrome, ovarian cysts, Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder, TMJ

Meds-
OxyContin, Ativan, Flexeril, Trazodone, Lidoderm patches

[This message has been edited by Moderator BAC (edited 10-28-2003).]

smushyj37 · 10-24-2003, 10:18 PM

How long have you been taking the paxil. Took mine a few weeks to really start working. Sometimes I have problems....as you can see I'm still up. Have you talked to your doctor?

bassie · 10-25-2003, 11:40 PM

I am sorry to sound boring, but I find it helps a great deal to listen to a tape or talk back programme (talking books also, are available at the library) while trying to get off to sleep. It distracts me.
Best wishes

[This message has been edited by bassie (edited 10-26-2003).]

savysac · 10-28-2003, 12:08 AM

by thinking do you mean worrying? or is it philosophical, or is it obsesive, such as having to get the laundry done, what items you need to get at the store, how many light bulbs are in your house and when are they going to burn out, ect,ect?

I had a hard time switching my brain off at night for a very long time, then I was prescribed xanax, the smallest dosage available, and it works like a charm! I fall asleep relatively quickly and I have no after affects in the morning, like being groggy or uncoordinated. The thing is with xanax, it can become habit forming, so you should take it a few nights in a row, then skip a few, after a few months of this, you should be in a good pattern for falling asleep. I was told it was a bad habit, my constant thinking before falling asleep. Once I corrected the behavior, I have no problem and I do not need medication anymore.

PS: I too was on paxil for a few years, but it didnt do too much for me, I still found my mind busy with thought when going to bed, sure, it helped me emotionaly, but not in getting a good night's sleep.

Talk to your doctor about this.

goodest luckest