What is wrong with me?
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| Thu, 11-23-2006 - 3:52pm |
Hi, I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety and I'm thinking that I may have some sort of compulsive disorder.
I started having panic attacks when I was 16, and was prescribed Paxil for it. I dealt with them and seemed to be able to function from day to day. I went to my doctor because I was concerned about being on Paxil for 6 years. She then prescribed me Cipralex, and then it hit me. Panic and anxiety and feelings of depersonalization all day. I went back to her, she then put me back on paxil.
Since then, the feelings have lessoned a bit, but I'm still getting the panic attacks. I start worrying about life and it's purpose and death, and I start to get a panic attack. I get this feeling like I'm almost outside of my body, or stuck inside. It is very hard to describe, but it's awful and can send me into full panic. I seem to obsess over the thought sometimes, or it just comes out of nowhere. I think that I might end up going crazy. What is wrong with me, and how am I supposed to overcome this?
Any help would be appreciated.

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Hugs Amy,
I'm sorry you are having these feelings. They sound a lot like the panic attacks people post about here. Are you seeing a psychologist? Therapy could help.
I don't get panic attacks, I have Generalized Anxiety, but I'm sure we'll have some of the other ladies post to you soon.
This is a really supportive friendly group, so I hope you stick around. Welcome!
Hope you are having a good Thanksgiving.
Smiles,
Dee
It does help stop the panic attacks for me. I also take xanax.
I have the feelings you describe also.... some call it depersonalization
or disassociation if you look those up you will see that it is
what you describe--- as for what to do that is a TOUGH ONE!!
Not much has been proven to work for this there are other people here
who have this feeling also!! I especially notice this when I have allergies
or more stress than usual. I also have difficulty concentrating when
I have these feelings. Do you?? I go to a hypnotherapist for my Panic disorder
it does help me relax and feel stronger!! I have had this so long don't worry
about going CRAZY or I would be LONG GONE!!!! It comes and goes at will...
very annoying and uncomfortable!! My Doc says my mind is saying STOP
the stress is too much and I distance myself mentally- that is his
explanation for it! WHATEVER!! It is NASTY!! If you find a way to rid yourself
of this please let me know--- I just try to remind myself I AM ME and I will
get over this!! Take care and post more! There is a chat tonight 7-9 pm on the
PTSD board try going there I am sure someone there will be of help! HUGS! Judy
helpful advice there!! HUGS! Judy
Hi Amy, I can relate to everything you describe.
Sheri Ann
Hi Judy,
It puts my mind a little more at ease about Paxil knowing that you've been on it for 15 years. It's also nice to know that other people have these feelings as well. I just don't understand how this can come about or what causes people to have these panic episodes and depersonalization. It's such an awful feeling.
When I was on my way home from work last night, I had a terrible panic/DP episode, I thought that I would have to go to the hospital. It was one of the worst ones I've had in a while, and I didn't think that it could ever stop. After it was over, I was left feeling confused, depressed and angry about the situation. At times, I find myself feeling that this is all unfair, and what did I do to deserve this, and all those negative feelings.
There has to be some way to conquer these feelings. I don't know if they will subside after more weeks of being back on paxil, but all I know is that I don't want to live like this anymore. It really isn't fun living life in fear.
Thanks for your support.
Amy
Hi Sheri Ann,
I was off Paxil for about 4 weeks, and it was horrible. I started taking it again about 4 weeks ago actually. I'm not as bad as I was, but I'm getting sick of this. I just started taking 30mg's instead of 20mg's about 3 days ago. I don't know if increasing your dosage can cause more panic, but I just want it to go away. I want my life back!
It's sad that I dread everyday, and I hate getting up in the morning. It's awful to have these thoughts where you don't understand why you are here and who you are. I really hope that I don't have to live like this for the rest of my life!
I do have clonazepam to take on the onset of a panic attack. I does calm me a bit, but I'm affraid of getting addicted or immune to them. All day long I find that I cannot sit still, my neck is always very stiff and causing me headaches. I have dizziness constantly, and it's very hard for me to walk straight. I am going in for an x-ray on a vein in my neck to see if it is causing the dizziness. I sure hope they figure out what's wrong.
Thanks for your reply,
Amy
Amy, my suggestion is to check with the doctor & see if you can take the klonopin to get you through this.
Sheri Ann
Hi, Sheri Ann, thanks for the info.
Actually, yes, my doctor did advise me to take the klonopin when I am feeling overwhelmed. I seem to hide them for when I think that I am going to lose it. But today, I was experiencing some bad anxiety and panic here at work, so I gave in and took a clonazepam. I am actually surprized, it has calmed me down, but of course that little voice in the back of my head is saying, this is only temporary, you will get the anxiety back soon. Grrr. I am so glad that I found this group because you guys are very nice and helpful, when you really don't have to be. I appreciate it.
What does this klonopin do to the body exactly? It's not harmful if it's taken long term is it? What I'm wondering is what is in the drug that seems to calm the body down?
Also, anti-depressants, what is it exactly that they do that can help a person suffering with anxiety? I know that they affect the nerve transmitters of serotonin, but is it a chemical imbalance in the brain that starts the obsessive worry, and the feelings of depersonalization? Also, do you have any resorces that say what causes the chemical imbalance in the first place?
I find that with some of the information I read, that these doctors seem to be doing a lot of guess work when it comes to these disorders. They don't seem to have a lot of solid proof. I was just wondering, if I wasn't reading good quality information.
I hope all my questions aren't annoying you :-)
Thanks for the help!
Amy
Here's a good link for you to read, Amy. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx8
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