Feeling insecure at home

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2003
Feeling insecure at home
11
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 8:44am

I don't know why this has started. I just wish it would leave me alone and I would feel more secure. Starting about January I started having an episode of bad depression and anxiety and panic. Then I started not wanting to be at home alone. I feel scared in my own home. I go to my bf's on weekends and I feel better there but when I come home I feel like I walked into a bad place. I feel empty and alone. I don't know how to feel better about being alone. I want to enjoy my home and some alone time but I seem to just sit in a paralyzed state and do nothing or get on the computer or I leave and visit my mom. Has anyone ever felt this way or understand or how I can handle this?

Tina~

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-21-2005
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 4:35pm

Hi Tina,

You are not alone in feeling insecure at home. About Dec. 2004, my husband started developing the same type of feeling. At first he was "afraid" to go upstairs to the master bedroom alone. Now it's developed to the point where he will not stay home alone. He knows that logically, there is nothing to fear, but it is an overwhelming feeling that comes from within and gives him actual chills.....even on a nice, warm sunny day. There is no let up on this feeling, even when he drives, shops, etc. Related to this is some memory issues, which might be a result of the chemo treatments he had over 15 years ago. I regret I cannot offer any suggestions, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone on this issue. He will be seeing his physician soon, and we will discuss further any potential treatments.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 6:17pm
I'm new to this board so I'm still learning alot about panic/anxiety. Mine just started last week but it has been buliding for months. Along with many other things, I too have been getting the feeling of being uncomfortable at home and find it comforting to be around other people. My mom just came to visit from out of state and I'm so worried about how empty I might feel when she leaves. But I also realize, as you need to also, that we have to fight this. I think the axiety plays upon our fears and then maximizes on them. I think you should challenge it. Try to think of things you can do at home before you get there. I too am having to deal with a similar issue so just know someone knows how you feel. I've heard of people feeling uncomfortable doing something they would've normally done before anxiety and let it get them to a state where they could not longer do that 'something'. So just be strong, and afraid or unafraid challenge fears, especially ones that didn't exist before the panic/depression/or anxiety :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 7:11pm
Hi, Tina! Sorry to hear about this fear. When I have had difficult spells of anxiety, I was afraid to be alone @ home. Temporarily, I had family & friends stay with me. On these occasions, I had to return to taking meds which I don't like to do, but did realize they were necessary. Giving into the fear was not an option. My home was my only safe place. I had to get my safe place back. Have you considered meds? What about therapy? Don't consider either one a sign of weakness. Nor, will you have to use these methods to assist in coping, forever. I was able to slowly build up the time I could stay alone & now, rarely have this fear. I am able to breathe & relax my way through a panic attack. Good luck! Sending P&PT's your way. (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 9:58am

Hi Tina-

I can highly sympathize with you and your current feeling's. It sounds as though some agoraphobia is setting in. I had a bad panic attack on my way to class last week, while I've been dealing with panic now for about 2 yrs, it started getting better, but as a result of that one epi last week, I now find it hard alllll over agin to be alone. EVEN in my own home in which I love. It's so easy for a therapist or someone to say, relax, think positive, do something to keep active, but in reality, it doesn't help. In a perfect world, it would be able to be acomplished, but it's far beyond that. This morning I woke, and as soon as I opned my eyes and realized fiance was leaving for work, it started. You know, those so unwanted feelings and for WHAT, no reason. Sun is shining, beautiful day, no negative thought's, figured I would paint, but the body is controling the mind and the forces are unbeatable. So what did I do. Now don't laugh, because it works. I turn on the music, and to release alllllllllll that built up adrenaline, (Which that is what anxiety/panic is) an overabundance of adrenaline release, I started dancing and jumping around my house :D and of course, took my trusty xanax. Soon enough, those feelings subsided. An undrenaline rush needs to be released. Like a run around the block. It works.

But sunshine, you are so not alone and you will soon realize there is help. I sure hope you are seeking the help from a "Qualified" psychiatrist and not your MD, and also, that you are in some form of cognative therapy. A therapy in which I just did my reasearch paper on for a psych class. I have so many resources if you need, for a therapist search. ALSO, to anyone in the NY, NJ, Conn area. I HIGHLY recommend picking up, Castle Connolly's book titled, "Top Doctors"! Because in back of book lists every condition from A-Z known to man, INCLUDING, anxiety, depression, panic, etc, etc, and lists those doctors who come HIGHLY recommended by other doctor's. Incredible book. You can also search on their website but it is SO limited, I suggest the book.

www.castleconnolly.com

Medication works wonder's! However, so that agoraphobia doesn't set in to the extreme, you must learn to stay in your home alone and not avoid it. Otherwise, it will get worse. So, turn on the music, and jump around the house :D

Hugs-
Jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 9:01pm

I've been having the same problem for about 2 weeks now. I stopped working due to stress and took an MLOA. I feel like the anxiety is just spiraling out of control. First it was my fear of driving, then of leaving the house alone, now I don't like to be home alone, either. I have been feeling very off balance, has that happened to anyone else? I literally want to hold my husbands hand when I'm out of the house. My MD checked my ears out yesterday, gave me amoxcillin for a sore throat, but I don't think that's the cause, although I hope it is! Can increased anxiety make you feel off balance when you walk? I'm taking xanax 4x/day.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Thu, 03-24-2005 - 6:49am

WOW&*^$?!@%$#? 4x a day? What strength? YES, I too, feel like at any moment when the panic comes on, I'm about to fall over. That will do that. Like a diabetic whose suger just dropped. Those are the symptoms. I will fumble, stutter, become dazed, forget thing's ALLLLLL the time.....oh my. I do have a cholesteatoma, (ear cyst) which is being operated on in 2 wks, but I think it's mostly the symptoms of my agoraphobia. I'd rather have GAD than agoraphobia any day. God, it's so hard dealing w/ that. Are you on any medication besides the xanax?

Hugs-
jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 03-24-2005 - 8:06am

Hello, Sheri Ann & welcome to our community. You are not alone. Many have reported feelings of unreality

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Sat, 03-26-2005 - 1:28pm
I only take the xanax. Zoloft & Paxil have been considered, but I'm so afraid of the side effects. The xanax makes me tired, but it's manageable & I don't have any other side effects, at least not yet. I only take 1/2 of a .25 mg tab, the dose is certainly low enough. I think she will increase that on Tuesday to .25 4/x daily, just because I'm not making any progress at this time. Or switch to the xanax xr. I don't know of anyone that has taken that, I'd love some feedback on it. The unsteadiness seems to give me the panic and anxiety attacks, rather than coming with them. It's really odd. My husband is out Easter shopping now, I wanted to go so much, but just couldn't get myself to do it. Disappointing for me, but I have been outside today & that's a big one for me! One day at a time ...
Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Sun, 03-27-2005 - 8:15am

Hi Sheri ann-

Listen. The dose you take is very low. I take 0.5, and was told if I needed to, could take 10 a day. Didn't realize it was ok, however, I don't think I'd need to take "That" much. About the xanax XR. I tried that, but this is the thing. It's time released, and say you feel a panic attack coming on, or just uncomfortable, like with the regular xanax, you can't take another XR. You take one and that's it. When I was on it, I would have periods through out the day in which I felt the need for a xanax, but since I was taking XR, was unable to take another. So, I stopped and wanted to go back to the regular xanax on my normal, "As needed" basis. When I felt that feeling come. Only bad thing about XR.

Don't be afraid of stories, side effects etc, regarding medication, if you do your research, it's the only way to help rid one of panic, THAT and "Therapy"! When I took paxil, and I'm so ANTI medication, I would say withen 3 months I was doing GREAT! Felt so NORMAL. Like a retard, stopped taking it because I felt great and once again, normal. No side effects, however, in begining, like with everything, you body does need to get use to it. Goes away in a few days. So I stopped it, and wouldn't you know, one epi brought it allllll BACK! So, I went on Lexapro, as I had some in my house. When I went back to psychiatrist, he kept me on the lexapro. It's been about 3weeks, and if it doesn't help (the normal 3 months) I WILL go back to paxil.

When I did my research paper on panic and agoraphobia for psych class, there was only one thing that was listed in all literature regarding Anxiety disorders as treatment, and that was CBT (Cognative behavioral therapy) and SSRI's. Both together hold huge promises of a successful recovery from all. I'm the queen of resources when it comes to CBT. I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the light can't be found without the right resources to find it. That's medication AND..........THERAPY. And I don't mean with any ole therapist. I mean CBT with a qualified CBT. Taking a xanax, and a xanx only, will never cure you, or I or anyone else with this disorder, FROM this disorder! That is a fact. I went to my primary at first, but as per him and myself, when the real problem sets in, it's time to see a "psychiatrist" and a "therapist" and with medication (Which never be afraid to take) because if you were told you were a diabetic, would you or would you NOT take your medication? Of course you would, so for this, it's no different. You'll get better, I promise, but with anything, you first need the right resources.

If you need a push, or some help, let me know. I'm here if you need it ;-) Feel free to email me. JenieLJ74 at AOL

Hugs, and Happy Easter!
-Jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sun, 03-27-2005 - 8:22am

Brand name:
Xanax

Pronounced: ZAN-ax
Generic name: Alprazolam




Why is this drug prescribed?Return to top

Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is marked by unrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns.


Xanax is also used in the treatment of panic disorder, which appears as unexpected panic attacks and may be accompanied by a fear of open spaces called agoraphobia. Only your doctor can diagnose panic disorder and best advise you about treatment. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Xanax.


Some doctors prescribe Xanax to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.




Most important fact about this drugReturn to top

Tolerance and dependence can occur with the use of Xanax. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug abruptly. Only your doctor should advise you to discontinue or change your dose.




How should you take this medication?Return to top

Xanax may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed.


--If you miss a dose...


If you are less than 1 hour late, take it as soon as you remember. Otherwise skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.


--Storage instructions...


Store Xanax at room temperature.




What side effects may occur?Return to top

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor should periodically reassess the need for this drug.


Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely.




  • More common side effects may include:
    Abdominal discomfort, abnormal involuntary movement, agitation, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or too deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss




  • Less common or rare side effects may include:
    Abnormal muscle tone, concentration difficulties, decreased coordination, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasticity, rage, sedation, seizures, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, warm feeling, weakness in muscle and bone, weight gain or loss, yellow eyes and skin




  • Side effects due to decrease or withdrawal from Xanax:
    Blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, diarrhea, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, impaired sense of smell, loss of appetite, loss of weight, muscle cramps, seizures, tingling sensation, twitching




Why should this drug not be prescribed?Return to top

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Xanax or other tranquilizers, you should not take this medication. Also avoid Xanax while taking the antifungal drugs Sporanox or Nizoral. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.


Do not take this medication if you have been diagnosed with the eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma.


Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with Xanax. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.




Special warnings about this medicationReturn to top

Xanax may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.


If you are being treated for panic disorder, you may need to take a higher dose of Xanax than for anxiety alone. High doses--more than 4 milligrams a day--of this medication taken for long intervals may cause emotional and physical dependence. It is important that your doctor supervise you carefully when you are using this medication.


Remember that withdrawal symptoms can occur when Xanax is stopped suddenly.




Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medicationReturn to top

Xanax may intensify the effect of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.


Never combine Xanax with Sporanox or Nizoral. These drugs cause a buildup of Xanax in the body.


If Xanax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Xanax with the following:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain antibiotics such as Biaxin and erythromycin
Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Ergotamine
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Grapefruit juice
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Oral contraceptives
Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Sertraline (Zoloft)




Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeedingReturn to top

Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of respiratory problems and muscular weakness in your baby. Infants may also experience withdrawal symptoms. Xanax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.




Recommended dosageReturn to top

ADULTS

Anxiety disorder


The usual starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 times a day. The dose may be increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum daily dose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.


Panic disorder


The usual starting dose is 0.5 milligram 3 times a day. This dose can be increased by 1 milligram a day every 3 or 4 days. You may be given a dose from 1 up to a total of 10 milligrams, according to your needs. The typical dose is 5 to 6 milligrams a day.


Your doctor will reassess your treatment periodically to be sure you're getting the right amount of medication.


CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 18 years of age.


OLDER ADULTS

The usual starting dose for an anxiety disorder is 0.25 milligram, 2 or 3 times daily. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.




OverdosageReturn to top

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.




  • Symptoms of Xanax overdose may include:
    Confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time


An overdose of Xanax, alone or after combining it with alcohol, can be fatal.






 

 


 



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