Hello and heres my story... - Panic Disorders Message Board

aintcrazy46 · 10-25-2003, 06:46 PM

Ive been reading this board and the panic board for a few months now and have gotten some good info off of it.
About two months ago, after waking up with an extreme headache with pain in behind my eyes, I had what I think was an anxiety/panic attack. Got lightheaded, felt cold and hot all over, extreme butterflies, and very scared feeling. I used a cold towel to wash my face and was able to fight most of this off, while also telling myself I was okay.
Went to the Doc, told him what happened, and he put me on Zoloft 50mg a day. Ive been taking them for seven weeks now, and after a few weeks of feeling anxious all day, it got better. Then, the last week or so, it seemed to pick back up a little. I have xanax to take when I need it, but dont like to rely on it. I try and fight it off by myself. Most of my anxiety is at night after waking up from dreams. I cant get back to sleep without problems. I have feelings on my arms and legs like hot spots, and my right eye twitches and feels like theres something on it at times.
I have had some anxiety for years, but mostly showed up as just light palpatations and was given impramine to take. Seemed to work good, but I got tired of taking it, and weaned myself off.
Heres the kicker basically. I can go about anywhere, and do anything without any real problems. I ride a motorcycle, lift weights, run my business, and go places with my family without any real problems.
Like I said, it mostly happens at night.
Is this anxiety I am having, and have I given the Zoloft time to work yet. I will tell you that my mother and sister both had problems with anxiety, my sister being agoraphobic.
God bless you all and any replies are appreciated.

chrislvj · 10-25-2003, 08:03 PM

not to scare you, but have you told a doctor about the hot spots? it's probably nothing but be sure that you're doctors knows

lori j · 10-26-2003, 12:59 AM

It seems the panic hits on something & then we dwell on it & it becomes our worst fear. I had never had problems sleeping til I was switched to Lexapro & it kept me awake, then I developed severe panic at bedtime, I would lay there & my heart would race, all the time obsessing whether or not I would or could get to sleep. I still don't have my meds worked out, so have been taking a half xanax at bedtime, cannot go on 3 hours sleep, so for right now I need help to sleep & I'm using the xanax, I don't want to make this a habit, but need it right now. I know if I could break the cycle I wouldn't need the xanax, so keep trying whatever works for you. I tried going to sleep with the radio on, so I didn't dwell on not sleeping.

slyJohn · 10-26-2003, 07:10 AM

i dont think you need the zoloft. zoloft can make your dreams more vivid and brain activity active while sleeping. if your dreams is all that's causing your anxiety i would just stay with xanax. xanax helps you sleep better and is more sedative. it clouds your nervous system so you don't feel so many anxiety symptoms. do you take a xanax right before sleeping? you should be taking the xanax more often. i understand you don't want to be addicted to it, but it's a great pill and is harmless when taken appropriately.

hry33 · 10-26-2003, 12:26 PM

to aintcrazy, your zoloft dose is small and may need upping
anxiety problems are often inherited and run in familys

zoloft does often cause stromg vivid dreams

its best to relax your way thru anxiety rather than fighting back against it