What's meds and what's me?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
What's meds and what's me?
4
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 6:49pm

I've been on 10 mg Lexapro for a week now. I still haven't been sleeping well. I do get tired at night, but I take a Xanax and I only sleep 4-5 hours if I'm lucky, more like averaging 3-4 all week. I was last up all night on Sunday.

So last night I slept maybe 4 hours. I didn't think I needed a Xanax, but couldn't fall asleep so I took half of one around midnight. Woke up about 4 am with chest pains, then laid around trying to get back to sleep in the morning. Then got up with the kids... and had a wicked panic attack. My blood turns cold, shaky, chest pains, shallow breathing. I work through it, and choke down breakfast. Did a kickboxing workout because I was really edgy, like I had to move. I was tired by the end of it. Then cleaned the house with the kids, started feeling crappy and anxious again around 11. Took a hot shower, ate a pb&j sandwich - that helped. Took the kids out to a movie in the afternoon and I was barely holding on. Worked through my anxiety and basically passed out in the theater. LOL Got them home, picked up my new Rx for Ambien on the way home.

I have that feeling in my throat again like I can't swallow and my jaw is so tight.

DH is on a boys weekend with his brother (great timing huh) so I called my MIL - she's going to spend the night so I can take my Ambien and not worry about the kids. I feel like I could tip over right now. I'm getting stuff done, but I'm shaky.

Funny thing is I had a rough day at work - edgy all day, but felt almost normal last night when I got home, and had a nice evening with the kids.

I've cut back on the caffeine - didn't have any today (I only drink a couple of diet Cokes a day usually) and cut down on the sugar.

Do I chalk all this up to a buildup of crappy sleep over the last month? Or my meds? My anxiety? All of it? Argh! I'm so frustrated.

The psychiatrist said not to take the Xanax to sleep - just to alleviate the anxiety if I need it. So I'm going to try Ambien tonight and pray that I get a good solid night's sleep.




Edited 11/11/2006 7:12 pm ET by peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 7:50pm

You sound overtired, overworked, stressed ... anxiety would follow.

Sheri Ann

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 8:09pm

My MIL is a lifesaver. It's 7 pm here so I'm going to get ready for bed, take my medicine and off I go...

You guys are lifesavers too. I'll let you know how it goes!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 8:39pm

More than likely, you are still getting adjusted to the meds. You might not be consciously aware of it, but you may be a little afraid of the feelings the meds may be causing. This should pass in just a few more days.


Without enough sleep & dealing with anxiety & stress everyday, it is difficult to determine what is you & what is the meds. Try not to focus on this sort of thinking. As my mom always said, *don't wonder too far or you'll get lost.* Thinking about it too much will just keep you thinking about it too much. KWIM?


I am happy you have your mil's support. Hope the ambien works & you put in a better night. Good luck & keep in touch. (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Sat, 11-11-2006 - 11:22pm

Hi,

I know it would seem like those problems must be anxiety related...but I wondered if you have considered a sleep study to look for sleep apnea or thought about an allegy like to dust mites?

I have major sleep issues and found that I am allergic to dust mites, so stuff like pillow and mattress covers, washing and vacuming frequently, even taking benedryl at bedtime when it's really bad helps me. My allergic reactions frequently consist of that closed throat, hard to breathe feelings & will wake up on rare occasions with a splitting headache that I associate with oxygen deprivation. Several mornings last spring I had some chest pains and was diagnosed with bronchitis.

Hope you find relief.

Hugs,
Dee