The long haul

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
The long haul
4
Thu, 11-02-2006 - 7:49am

I started Effexor on Tuesday morning. I've had some small side effects (blurred vision, and I feel like I have a lump in my throat - is that gas?) but nothing I can't deal with. My therapist said the blurred vision usually goes away after a few days. I am going to check in with my doctor today - he said to keep in touch with him for the first couple of weeks to see how it's doing.

I am really bummed that I feel like I have to take Xanax to get to sleep now. And if I don't take it soon enough before the nighttime anxiety hits, then I'm up half the night anyway. I've only been taking it a week, but I don't want to take it every night. My dh says I should just do it, it won't be forever. I just hate the groggy hungover feeling the next day.

I feel like the days I have therapy are the worst.

I'm so tired of thinking about my symptoms, talking about my symptoms, freaking out about my symptoms. I had an attack in the middle of reading to my oldest dd last night. I think I handled it well but then I was really upset after. (I just got my dh to finish reading to her, and I explained to her I was having some anxiety and I would be fine. When she came up later for a hug good night I assured her I would be fine and told her I didn't want her worrying about me). The attack was right after I'd taken half a Xanax and my body felt all tingly - now I can't tell what's meds and what's me, you know?

I just feel like a mess. My therapist said for someone who's a mess I'm holding it together - going to work, taking care of my family, etc. I just hate feeling this way. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. DH is so comforting and assuring, telling me it's all temporary, I will get better, it will just take time.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Thu, 11-02-2006 - 10:14am

hey there,


i have no great advice, but wanted to let you know that i can relate to you frustrations.

Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 11-02-2006 - 12:38pm

Thanks, it is such a big help knowing there are people who understand.

I went and swam this morning - not a great workout because I was tired, so I cut it short. Then I came home and laid down. I told myself, if I fall asleep that would be GREAT, if not, then just lie there and relax. Don't freak out and get all anxious about it, and if I'm tired stay in bed. Breathe, relax, stop focusing on all my symptoms. My mind did drift to some other stuff, like annoying problems at work, but I even managed to look at those with some humor. There will always be problems at work, it's not the end of the world. I work in an office where there are lots of molehills made into mountains. Maybe that's where part of my anxiety comes from. LOL

Anyway I feel a little more relaxed and rested, I was laying down for almost 2 hours. Now I'll go tackle my piles of laundry and housework. I told dh sometimes I think I'm too anal and compulsive about keeping a neat house. He said I should just accept it if that's the way I am and if it makes me comfortable to have a neat house. (I guess he would say that he doesn't want me to become a big slob LOL). I thought that was a good point. I think I'm beating myself up and I should just go with what feels good to me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 11-02-2006 - 12:48pm

Don't let the negativity overtake you. Don't allow your anxiety to get ahead of you. Focus on the here & now. You ARE doing a good job. You are going to work. You are taking care of your family.


The side effects are ONLY temporary. The grogginess is common. That lump in your throat is caused by tension. I have had it & others have discussed it. If you buy into the tricks your anxiety plays on you, there will be doubts that it is

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2006
Thu, 11-02-2006 - 12:49pm

Hi there-
Just wanted to let you know that are NOT ALONE! Saw myself and my feelings in what you wrote--we are "wired" the exact same way!
Hang in there! I am trying to cope with it, too!! As everyone keeps reminding us--it is only temporary! At least that what we HOPE!!
Keep me posted on how you are feeling!

Lynne