MY ANXIETY HAS TAKEN MY LIFE(AMBIEN)

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2004
MY ANXIETY HAS TAKEN MY LIFE(AMBIEN)
9
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 8:29am

I dont even know where to begin.. I am crying as I write this..I am in my early 20's and i suffer from anxiety which leads to depression..i am a shy girl when i am not comfortable and im outgoing when i am..i avoid situatons that might involve public speaking in any way..

i started a new job recently which wasnt to close to my home and the place where my job was had very high security it was like a huge bubble that i felt trapped in (i would have to drive in thru gates) I only worked there for a few days before i quit. i began to notice as everyday went on my anxiety was getting worse and worse. i could feel the strain of it in the backs of my legs and my chest and heart (i feel it right now)..i was not myself there and i was veryyy afraid and scared..i was having a difficult time driving there bc i was so scared to go..the job wasnt dififcult but it was the environment and the enormous ammounts of people at this place that scared me.

we had to say something about our selves at orientation and i basically saw my heart pounding! my voice even sounded like i was choking. i am so embarassed and lost w myself at this point. the only time i ever feel in control is when i take an AMBIEN before bed. i feel like i can be the person i always WISHED I COLD BE..is that weird? i wish the paxil and effexor and those drugs could bring that feeling.
i am going over the weekend to see an adult psycol. who can prescribe me medicine. (medicine in the past never helped only made me tired and fat) SOMEONE GIVE ME ADVICE

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 12:23pm

There are so many medictions or combinations of medications that can be tried. I think it is a good idea to see what else the psychol. can offer you. Sometimes it takes awhile to get the right combination or single med and the effects aren't immediate so try to be patient.

Good Luck and hope you can find the help you need.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 1:35pm

Im sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time with your anxiety. We've all been there before, and can certainly relate. First of all, you should go see a psychiatrist again and try a different med combination as Alison suggested. A lot of people on the board take xanax or klonopin to get them through the day, which has the same effect as Ambien (except for inducing sleepiness.) There is nothing wrong with having to take medications to get the anxiety down. my second suggestion is to begin seeing a psychologist who specializes in cognitve behavioral techniques. they can teach you tricks and methods to control your anxiety, when it seems at its greatest, and consequently help you get through the day.


Good luck at your upcoming appointment, I hope things get better for you real soon.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 3:05pm
thank you both..i am so scared and afraid this will take over my life sometimes. the only problem w the xanax is that it makes me extremely tired obviously. I just dont understand why a little piece of the ambien makes me feel so confident and powerful. are there any medications i can take daily w/ those ingredients?? dumb question probably
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 3:09pm
I just dont understand why a little piece of the ambien makes me feel so confident and powerful. are there any medications i can take daily w/ those ingredients?? dumb question probably
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 5:08pm
hey, that's not stupid a question at all, and you're not alone in feeling the way you do about the ambien. It's purpose is to reduce your anxiety and give you control of your life back. Im not sure what class of medicines ambien as in, but as i mentioned xanax and klonopin are both fast acting benzodiazapines, and they very quickly reduce anxiety symptoms in your body. They will also leave you with that feeling of being in control again. please consider discussing those medications with your doctor next time you go.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 5:21pm

Hello! Nice to have you in our community. I am sorry that you aren't feeling well. The issues of feeling trapped in a place or situation is not new to many of us. You are NOT alone. It is scary. But, it can be overcome. All of us are taking our lives back from the control anxiety has held over us. A combination of meds & therapy is known to be most successful. There are alternatives such as meditation, accupuncture, herbals,

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 7:23pm

Hi there,

I am so sorry you feel the way you do. I can only say that I know how you feel. I, too, get very anxious. I think you did a good thing by leaving the job because it seems like you hated it. Maybe you could find a job in a smaller office, where it is not so corporate. You might also want to try xanax before something like an orientation to help calm your nerves. I often feel the way you do, so remember you are not alone. It can be debilitating some times. I know. I often wish I could be someone I'm not. SOmeone stronger or more confident.

It's very good that you wrote to the women on this board. It really helps to feel like people understand you. you are going to be ok.

Love, JD

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2005
Sat, 11-05-2005 - 12:35pm
Just wanted to tell you, you are not alone. We all know what you are going through. I am also having a very hard time with anxiety. I also get the same feeling that you do when you take Ambien (I take ativan)....it's like everything changes! I'm back to my normal self for short while. I know it's very scarey, but no matter what, do not give up! Please!
Feel free to email anytime, or post!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-05-2005 - 1:34pm

Before going on klonopin & xanax I took ambien for sleep. At one point when my anxiety really kicked up I took an ambien for anxiety and it worked. I've been told that Ambien is a sedative and that is why not only does it make you sleep but relax you.


Many hugs coming your way. I hope you're having a relaxing weekend.


Hugs & Prayers,



Danielle

Host of Tuesday Night Anxiety, Panic & Phobia's Chat 7 - 9 pm MST


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