how long until...?
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| Mon, 04-25-2005 - 10:49am |
my meds really kick in? I have been on 5mg of lexapro for 4 days now.
Hi all, I posted friday and on saturday I think that I hit rock bottom. I was up all night just paralized with fear. I couldn't move and was sure that I would have to go to a hospital. I thought I was going crazy.
My wonderful dh was so great. He just held me and comforted me. I ended up calling my aunt and telling her everything. We talked for an hour and I found out that my aunt, father, uncle and 3 cousins have all gone through this. I called my cousin and she helped to calm me down. As hard as it was I went to the mall on sat night. I made it through.
I slept through the night last night but I woke up and started to have an attack, I woke up my dh and he calmed me down, I got into bed and just layed with my son. It was nice... I also used the counting technique. I was able to fall asleep for a bit while doing that.
I am also wondering how long this goes on for? I had my 1st nightime attack last monday and I haven't felt right since. Its been a week now.
I have my 1st psychiatrist appt. today. I am so scared.. I am scared that she's going to tell me that its not anxiety and that I really am going crazy. Even though the book I bought tells me that I have all the signs.
Its such a hard concept to grasp. If I had a broken arm or something I couls deal a lot better. My Dr. says that its the same principal. Its just so hard to look at it that way...
I guess I'm just blabbing looking for reasurrance...
~Heather

Hi, Heather! I am sorry to hear you're still having a rough time. Hopefully with the support of your dh & extended family, you will begin to feel better soon. Meds do take time to work. Usually the antidepressants such as lexapro take a month or a bit longer.
I am glad the counting helped. Are you using the positive thoughts? When the fear of losing your mind is strong, say to yourself, *I am ok. I am not losing my mind. This is part of anxiety. This will pass. I can get through this. I got through it before. I am not going to fight. I will let this feeling pass through me.* We have all experienced these fears & though it's hard, we're all here today & NOT crazy!
You will do just fine @ the psychiatrist. Just take some deep breaths & answer the questions. Take a list along of things you want to ask. When we're worried, sometimes we forget. I make lists of everything to help me along. If it helps any, Heather, crazy ppl DON'T know that they're crazy. You are in touch with reality & know everything that's going on. The psychiatrist will declare you sane! Just that old anxiety bug:) Saying a prayer for you. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan
Hi Heather!
I am sorry that you are feeling bad. I know just what that feels like, it is very scary. My Panic Attacks just started up agian after months of nothing.
I am on Prozac and I know that it takes 4-6 weeks to start working. I looked up Lexapro on WebMD and it says that it can take up to several weeks for you to feel the full affects.
See a therapist will help, try not to be afraid this is a good step to be taking. Let us know how it goes.
Hugs
Sarah
Hi Heather I'm Robyn and I have suffered with anxiety attacks on and off for about 12 years. I looked up some info on Lexapro for you..I also go to bed with fear and wake up with it. For about the last month I have not been sleeping at night so my Dr. prescribed me some Ambien but it doesnt seem to help me.Could you tell me alittle more about the counting technique you mentioned in your post? TIA
Hi All,
I went today and I had a major anxiety attack right there. It started in the waiting room and by the time I got in there I was crying.
SHe asked all about my history and what brought me there. The whole time I was freaking out. Sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, dizzyness, restlessness. It was so AWFUL!!!!
In the end she said that I have "severe anxiety" I can;t remember the exact diagnois but it was along the lines of PTSD. You can see my post "am i alone" in the reply section I told my story of the last few months.
She honestly felt bad for me and understood where this was coming from. She said that given the last few months and my family history that its no wonder.
She also said that she's never seen anyone with all the symptoms at once.
I go back next week...
I left the Boys ( I have 4 yr old twins) with my MIL and went to see my Grandmother and cousin. My cousin has been here before and is now off meds and doing well. I drove the 40 minutes in a fog ( shouldn't have) when i got there I just wanted to get home but I was afraid to drive.
I called my Mom and talked to her the whole way home. As soon as I got home I started feeling better, of course the hugs from dh helped :)
I am now starting to take 10mg of lexapro. I took it 15 minutes ago. I am feeling myself start to get anxious about it. I hate taking meds and I just hope that it agrees with me.
Something has to work , a few months ago I was a normal housewife and Mom. I just don't understand how this happened. Its all so scarey....I've never been so upset in my life.
As far as the counting technique goes, I will try to scan it and post it that way, if not I will type it out and post it.
Talk to you all soon...
~Heather
Heather,
I just wanted to say, I used wake up with those anxiety feelings, too. Sometimes I still do. It is the worst time of day for me, generally. I try to wake up slow, lay there a few minutes, say some prayers, etc.
I also am taking Lexapro, 10 mg a day. It does take at least a couple weeks on it to see a difference. And, I also have a family history. My mom and her mom also have anxiety. I used to tell myself, when I was younger, that I would never be like them. lol. It's hereditary, in my case. I had no choice. But I try to do what I can to control it. My counselor has worked with me on some techniques.
Your husband sounds wonderful, you are blessed. My husband didn't really understand it too much, but unfortunately, now he is starting to have symptoms of anxiety, too.
Keep up your hard work, it's scary, but you have a good support system!
Renee