Help, please!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Help, please!
9
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 2:39pm

Hi there, I'm Keli...I'm 36, and I suffer from Bipolar disorder, anxiety/panic disorder, SAD, PTSD, Borderline, and who knows what else. ANYWAY, I recently was taken off my Ativan (2-3 mgs per day for about 4 years now) suddenly. For the last 3 weeks, I've been having heart palpitations, breathing seems more shallow, and a bit of dizziness...I am quite sure its all related, but has anyone ever gone through anything like this?

I am very stressed right now...I'm also coming off Lexapro...SO, my anxiety is off the charts...

Thanks for your time!

Hugs to all,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 2:54pm

hi keli,


(((((hugs))))) i know those feeling you are experiencing all too well:(


is there are reason you are coming off of the ativan and lexapro?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:08pm
Why were you taken off your ativan? What did the doctor give you to replace it? Also, the same question for lexapro. Switching meds is hard and takes time but I wonder why you are changing so many at once.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:12pm

I'm only coming off the Ativan and Lexapro because I have a new pdoc...she doesn't believe in antidepressants, or anti-anxiety meds for anyone with Bipolar. I'm really frustrated. The Lexapro and Ativan kept my anxiety levels much more even...this is ridiculous!

Last night, I went from crying to laughing, to SO INCREDIBLY STRESSED...and of course my anxiety kicked into overdrive...I'm also pmsing. UGH! I'm a natural born worrier too, but I worry over EVERY little tiny thing...and I also catastrophize EVERYTHING.

My poor dh...he tries to help...but when you're in the midst of anxiety attacks, there just isn't any help.

I do use deep breathing...and I vent a lot!!! I also am starting back to the gym 2xa week...I've gained about 40 pounds in the last few years and I really want to lose it.

Thanks for your response...I thought for a while there that I was dying...

I noticed your siggy...congrats!!! I know you HAVE to be ready by this point!!!

Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2006
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:16pm

Hi Keli,

When I was taken off of Paxil, I experienced those symptoms as well. I felt as if my life had been taken away from me! I have the same questions as the others, but I will wait for that in your next response. I suggest that you had better see your doctor immediately and tell him/her your symptoms.

I know that when you start a new medication that you can have some yucky side effects, it always gets worse before it starts to get better. I try to go for a walk, talk to friends or have a nice hot bath...if that doesn't work try a cold shower. I know that I got hot flashes and felt as if I was losing it. When the shock of the cold water hit me, it definetly gave me something else to focus on!

Thinking of you, and here to listen!
Amy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:17pm

Only changing cuz of a new pdoc...I"m really frustrated. I am severely Bipolar, so I change meds all the time...but these two meds were my "lifesavers".

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:19pm

Hey Amy...

I took TWO hot baths last night, lol! Funny how we all use the same kinds of coping techniques!

I called my pdoc's office and left a message with the nurse...someone BETTER call me back...I need my meds back, for crying out loud...at least the Ativan...I never ever abused it, not EVER. And then she just takes me off it, just like that. Ugh.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2006
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:47pm

Hi Keli,

That's odd that they took you off of your meds..I'm confused.

We all seem to use the same techniques, I find you have to combine so many before they work. If it gets really bad, maybe you might have to go to the emergency room and tell them you need something to help you ASAP! I know that my doc was too busy to take me in, so I went to a "walk in clinc". The doctor there wasn't nice as pie, but he gave me my old meds back.

Is there something that helped you to cope before that you can try now? I know it's very different when you are off of meds because it seems that nothing works!

Amy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 5:57pm

Hi, Keli! I think you have posted here in the past, but it has been some time ago. It's nice to have you stop in.


I am not up to date on

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: keli003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 6:04pm

Hi Kelli, I have to wonder why a doc would take you off of the ativan & lexapro so suddenly?

Sheri Ann