![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 34. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
Hi you all know I take valium. But lately a lot of changes that wouldn't affect anyone but me. Like my husband getting work on the custom boats he paint, me I keep getting physical things wrong like diverticulitis. And then on no my GP's word isn't good enough for me. My liver enzymes were up too. So he said the illness of diverticulitis probably messed them up have them recheckecd in a month tomorrow. I'm freaking out as I went back to the ER and had them recheck them. They sent me to a GI doc that checked for autoimmume hepatitis. But even though they are both elevated it is only slight he said to his nurse to tell me it's okay. But I have a CT of liver and sigmoid scheduled. I had a colonoscopy less than a year ago. So now if I listened and not freaked out I'd only be having lab work tomorrow. What do I tell this GP who already thinks I'm nuts as I take valium. And it isn't calming me down. And see how I exagerate I'm afraid he will lock me away cause I didn't listen to him. So what in the world is wrong with me. I also found out I have disc disease, osteoporosis, broke my arm healed now and moved in less than a year. How do I calm dowm Afraid to be alone. Always tired as I worry and worry about everything known to man. Love Phillipa
Posted by rjlockhart on October 3, 2006, at 22:56:26
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
I know this isnt a medication awnser but....praying to God, christ........ you will get peace.
Try to read some scriptures. The lord is my fortress, i will not fear.
Besides that, there are doctors that have diffrent opinions on medication, i take Xanax at a high dose, other doctors would not, i believe would not do that. There just anti-xanax.
Pray for a doctor that is helpful for you.
I dont know what to say about the heath issues i dont know about them.
All i can say is ask if you can switch to Xanax XR, or Tranexene. Or increase Valium, you may have tolerance which is infamous obviously.
antipsychotics such as Zyprexa can block out thoughts, but not help the problem.
But take care
Matt
Posted by bipolarspectrum on October 4, 2006, at 0:08:06
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
P,
I dont really have any advice to give, but a question to ask... do u have a pdoc?? if not, i really think u should do everything in ur power to get a good pdoc who will see u regularly, ie. every week... such an approach has helped me significantly.. especially psychologically, whereas if im doing poorly, i know that in only a week i can see my shrink again...
bps
Posted by yxibow on October 4, 2006, at 1:33:09
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
> Hi you all know I take valium. But lately a lot of changes that wouldn't affect anyone but me. Like my husband getting work on the custom boats he paint, me I keep getting physical things wrong like diverticulitis. And then on no my GP's word isn't good enough for me. My liver enzymes were up too. So he said the illness of diverticulitis probably messed them up have them recheckecd in a month tomorrow. I'm freaking out as I went back to the ER and had them recheck them. They sent me to a GI doc that checked for autoimmume hepatitis. But even though they are both elevated it is only slight he said to his nurse to tell me it's okay. But I have a CT of liver and sigmoid scheduled. I had a colonoscopy less than a year ago. So now if I listened and not freaked out I'd only be having lab work tomorrow. What do I tell this GP who already thinks I'm nuts as I take valium. And it isn't calming me down. And see how I exagerate I'm afraid he will lock me away cause I didn't listen to him. So what in the world is wrong with me. I also found out I have disc disease, osteoporosis, broke my arm healed now and moved in less than a year. How do I calm dowm Afraid to be alone. Always tired as I worry and worry about everything known to man. Love Phillipa
Well short of upping your Valium dose or taking Xanax, something like 5mg of Zyprexa or 100-200mg of Seroquel might be helpful in what sounds like a spiral of anxiety. If I had taken an antipsychotic when 9/11 happened, I might not have the huge disorder I have now, but we don't know that -- its just a guess. I was hysterical (pardon the mysogynistic word) and had anxiety out of this world compared to people I knew. I was constantly checking my cellphone for news to see if something more disastrous was going to happen.It might not be a bad idea -- and a visit to a psychiatrist.
-- tidings
Jay
Posted by bassman on October 4, 2006, at 6:30:22
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
I wondered how you were doing-a few posts ago it seemed you were really in bad shape. Here are my prejudices: if you are really anxious and it doesn't make you feel weird, Xanax is the best anti-anxiety med there is, BUT, at least for me, to really come back to earth, I need an AD of some sort that is actually doing something. The problem is that when you are anxious, it seems any AD just makes things worse with the side effects, at least for awhile. I'm sure you know that. But I find the reaction to changes and fears in the outside world perfectly understandable...when I'm most anxious, everything seems threatening (not that it is, of course, I'm just more reactive to it) and when I'm calmer, I can just say "so how much will worrying about it help?" At least for me, anxiety and fear remove a lot of my rationality. I'm less convinced than others that someone can talk you out of that...I think meds are needed to get to the point where talking might be helpful. One of my favorite expressions is that CBT, for example, is really useful-if you are well. When you're really anxious, the stuff doesn't seem to work. Best of luck, Jan, and I hope things work out for you-don't forget to tell us-I'm sure there are lots of people out there, who, like myself, are concerned about you.
Posted by SLS on October 4, 2006, at 6:42:11
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by yxibow on October 4, 2006, at 1:33:09
> Well short of upping your Valium dose or taking Xanax, something like 5mg of Zyprexa or 100-200mg of Seroquel might be helpful in what sounds like a spiral of anxiety.
Antipsychotics are for people too...
I take Abilify 10mg
These drugs really aren't antipsychotics. That's just a label. They are really just molecules that have properties that produce therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions, including yours. (Nausea, anxiety, depression, ADHD, hiccups, migraine, stuttering, PDD, PTSD, Tourettes, tics, schizophrenia, mania, OCD, BPD). I'm sorry, Phillipa. You asked a question, and you received perhaps the best answer available at this juncture in your treatment. Benzodiazepines are not hitting the right receptors for you.
For immediate relief, Zyprexa would work. 100%
Seroquel produces less weight gain, more sedation, is less effective for your condition, but might be a good match for you nevertheless.
Abilify is a clean drug for most people, has no weight gain, but might 1-2 weeks for startup insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness to disappear. This doesn't happen with everyone, though.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on October 4, 2006, at 6:47:57
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by SLS on October 4, 2006, at 6:42:11
> > Well short of upping your Valium dose or taking Xanax, something like 5mg of Zyprexa or 100-200mg of Seroquel might be helpful in what sounds like a spiral of anxiety.
>
> Antipsychotics are for people too...
>
> I take Abilify 10mg
>
> These drugs really aren't antipsychotics. That's just a label. They are really just molecules that have properties that produce therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions, including yours. (Nausea, anxiety, depression, ADHD, hiccups, migraine, stuttering, PDD, PTSD, Tourettes, tics, schizophrenia, mania, OCD, BPD). I'm sorry, Phillipa. You asked a question, and you received perhaps the best answer available at this juncture in your treatment. Benzodiazepines are not hitting the right receptors for you.
>
> For immediate relief, Zyprexa would work. 100%
>
> Seroquel produces less weight gain, more sedation, is less effective for your condition, but might be a good match for you nevertheless.
>
> Abilify is a clean drug for most people, has no weight gain, but might 1-2 weeks for startup insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness to disappear. This doesn't happen with everyone, though.
I would look at this as a temporary bridge until you begin to respond to antidepressant treatment, whether it be Luvox at 200-300mg, Paxil at 20-40mg or Nardil at 45-75mg. That's what I think.
- Scott
Posted by valene on October 4, 2006, at 9:56:32
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
Phillipa, I thought you were on a small dose of xanax to augment the valium? I know what you mean about worrying about everything. My Mom is in the hospital with a possible heart attack and I have been just sick with anxiety. And I do worry about lots of things that other people don't. We are alike in many ways. I second the advice to find a good pdoc nearby. Yours is 5 hrs away?Thinking of you,
Val
> Hi you all know I take valium. But lately a lot of changes that wouldn't affect anyone but me. Like my husband getting work on the custom boats he paint, me I keep getting physical things wrong like diverticulitis. And then on no my GP's word isn't good enough for me. My liver enzymes were up too. So he said the illness of diverticulitis probably messed them up have them recheckecd in a month tomorrow. I'm freaking out as I went back to the ER and had them recheck them. They sent me to a GI doc that checked for autoimmume hepatitis. But even though they are both elevated it is only slight he said to his nurse to tell me it's okay. But I have a CT of liver and sigmoid scheduled. I had a colonoscopy less than a year ago. So now if I listened and not freaked out I'd only be having lab work tomorrow. What do I tell this GP who already thinks I'm nuts as I take valium. And it isn't calming me down. And see how I exagerate I'm afraid he will lock me away cause I didn't listen to him. So what in the world is wrong with me. I also found out I have disc disease, osteoporosis, broke my arm healed now and moved in less than a year. How do I calm dowm Afraid to be alone. Always tired as I worry and worry about everything known to man. Love Phillipa
Posted by Crazy Horse on October 4, 2006, at 10:55:26
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
I agree with Scott.
Love, Monte
Posted by ed_uk on October 4, 2006, at 11:34:15
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
Dear PJ,
I know you didn't like Seroquel, but did you ever try Zyprexa?
Ed xx
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 11:37:43
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by bassman on October 4, 2006, at 6:30:22
And look at the time you all get up I slept til llam from lam. What is wrong with me am I dying? Is my liver shot? I have to get in the car and drive to where Greg is as I can't go alone and can't think. I'm so afraid of dying or being put in a hospital and because of my age being sent to a State Hospital where I will be drugged and die. It is reality seen it done. Love Phillipa ps how could I be anxious if I slept the day away?
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 11:41:20
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on October 4, 2006, at 11:34:15
Ed I can't gain wt and diabetes is in my family. I'm so scared. Love PJO Gotta get to Greg
Posted by rjlockhart on October 4, 2006, at 14:30:16
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 11:37:43
Do you rerember when, about 2-1/2 years ago when i thought i was going to die that i was going insane.
Im not saying maybe this is happening to you but its like a "cluster" of anxiety, with some thoughts that intrude you thinking your going crazy. Im not crazy today, which i thought i was on the egde of going insane. By the way i had my MRI done, i havent had any doctors look at the resuls but, listen, its a cluster of thoughts that plague your mind, it turns into a feeling of insanity. I had it. Im 19.
I know the word "antipsychotic" sounds absurd but 5mg of maybe Zyprexa i almost am certain will block out thoughts that are plagueing you. 10mg i would say is the max for a person with anxiety, maybe you can ask if you can take valium with zyprexa. Or switch to Xanax, and zyprexa. Thats what i take.
Seeing a doctor and a therpist may help, but find a therpist that is good for you, maybe psychodynamic? which is more Frued therpist, or CBT.
Ask your doctor for some samples of Zyprexa. Try them out.
Also stimulants may help, now this really sounds aburd, but i was Dexedrine and i felt confident, focused and tuned out irrational fears. But that is just a post-option im giving you. Dont take this one for granite.
Take care, now i think we have something in common.
Matt
Posted by SLS on October 5, 2006, at 9:07:17
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
So, what do you think?
- Scott
Posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 16:02:46
In reply to Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2006, at 22:29:19
>How do I calm dowm Afraid to be alone. Always tired as I worry and worry about everything known to man. Love Phillipa
Sounds like you are hyper-stressed. Your system won't let you calm down. Doctors seem to think the thoughts preceed the brain chemistry. I think they effect each other. I know certain brain states facilitate certain thoughts. If your brain is in an anxious state you're going to have anxious thoughts.
When the brain is peaceful even the thought of death cannot disturb the peace. When the brain is hyper anxious having a hangnail can send you over the edge.
Benzos are a good short term help for anxiety. Xanax the most generally helpful because of it's short half life and Klonopin can greatly help sleep. You might have your cortisol levels checked. There is a type of Bi-polar and Melancholic Depression which manifest as high anxiety. Is your anxiety worst in the morning?
Also important to see yourself as cured and enjoying life again. Allow yourself to see it and believe you will be there again. When you find your mind is considering the worst take control and replace the scene with yourself feeling healthy and good...(has helped me tremendously)
Shawn
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2006, at 20:35:25
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » Phillipa, posted by SLS on October 5, 2006, at 9:07:17
Scott I know you will say depression. But I counted on EMSAM so much and now to hear it's bumming out the original successes is depressing in itself. Love Jan
Posted by Karen44 on October 7, 2006, at 0:46:14
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 11:37:43
> And look at the time you all get up I slept til llam from lam. What is wrong with me am I dying? Is my liver shot? I have to get in the car and drive to where Greg is as I can't go alone and can't think. I'm so afraid of dying or being put in a hospital and because of my age being sent to a State Hospital where I will be drugged and die. It is reality seen it done. Love Phillipa ps how could I be anxious if I slept the day away?
Reading this and previous posts, you seem to be working yourself into a frenzy. You know I have had my health toilet as well in the past year--and more this year. We ARE getting older, and it can be a good time. Yes, it is no fun getting older. I look at myself in the mirror and say, "Who is that person? It's not me." Age is also a state of mind. So, even though I am reminded by a body that lets me know I am getting older, my state of mind improves. Unfortunately, I too have had more health issues develop like the fungus growing in my lungs, cancerous growths on my back, face, and hands; and the possibility I will need more surgery; the GERD that is causing me more problems even with med's, etc, etc, etc. I have come to take it in stride -- not easy when you THINK you have been healthy for the past 20 years. I wonder what you would do if Greg was not around. I have thought about that with my husband, and I used to think I could not make it. I don't think that anymore. I would probably go back to Kansas where I have lots of friends--more than in the Chicago area. Medications help to a point, but having people in your life is important too. I doubt you are dying, and you need to let the doctors see what is. Why the concern that they will yang the Xanax?? What is it really doing for you?
Karen
Posted by Greif on October 9, 2006, at 11:51:56
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Karen44 on October 7, 2006, at 0:46:14
I find that when I have a structured busy life I dont have time to think about my mood. A sunday off with no commitments used to be heaven when I was younger. If I do nothing on Sunday I tend to focus on meds and moods. Throw yourself into something taht requires you to show up and contribute. I am making assumptions here since I don't know your daily schedule. If you are over loaded with work it will create stress also. Finding the balance in your life is as important as meds. If you are having obsessive thoughts and fears then Benzos might not be the only med you need. Good luck!
Posted by sregan on October 9, 2006, at 16:54:35
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by Greif on October 9, 2006, at 11:51:56
> I find that when I have a structured busy life I dont have time to think about my mood. A sunday off with no commitments used to be heaven when I was younger. If I do nothing on Sunday I tend to focus on meds and moods.
Good point to keep the mind busy. Just getting out of the house can help tremendously.
Posted by Phillipa on October 9, 2006, at 20:16:57
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety, posted by sregan on October 9, 2006, at 16:54:35
I can't stay in the house or sit still. I get up do what I have to do and go 40minutes away to where Greg is working on the boats and sit with him. And then when he's done we run errands and then ride7.5miles on the bikes and then walk the dogs. I can't watch TV can't sit still. So I don't want to take a med to numb me anymore. Just relax enough so I can do those things myself. Love Phillipa
Posted by sregan on October 9, 2006, at 21:25:39
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » sregan, posted by Phillipa on October 9, 2006, at 20:16:57
Has your pdoc ruled out Bipolar or Melancholic Depression. Both have anxiety as part of their symptoms. If you can find the cause of the anxiety you are much better off. If as in melancholic depression stess has caused a problem with your hippocampus/HPA stress response system then if you don't correct that you will just treat symptoms indefinitely.
2. Meditation. There is a you beyond the mind/body you believe yourself to be. Meditation is the way to find it. Simply sitting and paying quiet attention to one's breathing is perhaps the simplest form.
There is also a book called "The HeartMath Solution" that has some really good mental exercises for quieting the mind.
Posted by yxibow on October 10, 2006, at 4:29:36
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » sregan, posted by Phillipa on October 9, 2006, at 20:16:57
> I can't stay in the house or sit still. I get up do what I have to do and go 40minutes away to where Greg is working on the boats and sit with him. And then when he's done we run errands and then ride7.5miles on the bikes and then walk the dogs. I can't watch TV can't sit still. So I don't want to take a med to numb me anymore. Just relax enough so I can do those things myself. Love Phillipa
If you have horrendous anxiety and you can't sit still yet you don't want to be calmed, this creates a quandary. I understand you don't want to be numbed out, but micro doses of neuroleptics aren't going to create a dysphoric detachment. And they work fast. Very fast, they're intended to do so. Its either that or more Xanax. I really can't think of anything that is going to act faster. You can continue with the Luvox, but that will take a while to work to quell such a situation. Meanwhile, why not try a trial of 2.5 or 5mg of Zyprexa for a week and if it doesn't suit you, you can just drop it. There's no real cold turkey issues there at that dose range. I just want to see you enjoy life.-- Jay
Posted by bassman on October 10, 2006, at 6:42:28
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » Phillipa, posted by yxibow on October 10, 2006, at 4:29:36
Well said, Jay. Life can be pretty nightmarish if you have to go from one activity to another to keep your attention off your anxiety (and that only works so well...).
Posted by ed_uk on October 10, 2006, at 14:52:46
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » SLS, posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2006, at 20:35:25
Hi PJ
I would suggest that you try 2.5mg Zyprexa for a couple of days. If you find it helpful you can take it on a 'when required' basis. I do not recommend taking it regularly, as the side effects are likely to be unacceptable. Taking it occasionally is very unlikely to be a problem. There's nothing to loose by giving it a try.
Love
Ed xx
Posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2006, at 19:40:18
In reply to Re: Why and What to Do about Horrendous Anxiety » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on October 10, 2006, at 14:52:46
I have samples of seroquel and last night added l2.5mg to the valium and 50mg of luvox. I think I slept a little better. Now during the day? Love PJ O
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.