Physical anxiety symptoms :(

[Clairevj19]

Hi all

i've been reading a lot of these threads and it is helpful to know I'm not the only person who feels like this.

im 26yrs old and was diagnosed with anxiety about 7 years ago. All has been great but this past week has been hell.

I changed medication as I thought it might be better for me in the long run eg having children etc. what I didn't realise is how horrible it would make me feel. I have a massive fear of having a heart attack or fainting and this last week I've had so many horrible physical symptoms eg chest pains, headaches, dizziness, shooting pains. Been to 2 different doctors who said my chest is fine and my health is fine.

i spoke with my doctor and we decided it's best to go back on medication so I'm on day 3 now, waiting for it to kick in so I go back to normal. I feel good when I'm at home or at work, but as soon as I get in the car to drive it all the physical symptoms come back before I even think about it. As soon as I walk in the door at home I'm ok.

does anyone have any tips on how to calm the physical symptoms? I have medication but I don't like to take it as I would rather be able to attack it myself. I know I'll be okay again soon but I just hate the way it feels!!!

[Neil_1]

Hi there Claire,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you providing your post.

I’m just a little confused … in that you have gone back on your medication and are on day 3 at the time of writing (this I assume is to help assist with your anxiety). However, at the end of your post, you described the awful physical symptoms you receive, when you’re not at home or work, and that you have medication for that, but are not taking it, in order to fight it “by yourself”.

So there’s 2 lots of meds you’re on, but you’re only taking one of them?? Is this right?

May I also ask, during the previous 7 years, when you felt great, were you on “both meds” then?

With regard to changing of meds, I do hope you did that under your doctor’s guidance … as coming off meds (as you found out) can be a very tough process and the effects it can have on us, can be, well let’s face it, can be awful. Slowly slowly should be how the weaning off phase should be taken, and little by little in the reduction of the medication.

Would like to hear back from you.

Neil

[clairevj]

Hi Neil,

Thanks for your reply. I just read it and it doesn't make sense!

I was on a certain medication daily for about 7 years which worked great, then i thought to try a different type that may be better for my body. I found that i was getting more anxious with it, so i spoke to my doctor and they advised i should change back to what i was originally on (which is where i say day 3)

The meds i talk about in trying to attack it myself is calming medication (i wrote it but realised you can't write names of meds in the rules)

Hopefully this makes more sense!

[Neil_1]

Hi Claire,

Ok, meds situation sorted 🙂 And as you say, after a little time, those meds that you’ve started back on, should be kicking in with help that they provide.

Just with regard to your physical symptoms, and that you’re ok at home and also at work … I was going to ask to see if there’s any way you can go out with say a friend, partner, sibling for the time being? I realise that getting to work and doing this would be highly unlikely and with that, I feel a bit useless, as I’m not sure how to provide advice in that respect. I was thinking more of a weekend or after work, if you go out, would it possibly be helpful if you had company and support with you?

Kind regards

Neil