Anxiety When Waking Up & Other Things

Hey all, I'm new to this site. I was diagnosed with panic disorder, social anxiety and mild depression in March. I was wondering if anyone has tips for combating morning anxiety. Many days I wake up with that heavy feeling in my chest for no discernable reason. Most of the time it shakes around 10 or so (about 3 hours after I get up) but other days I don't feel it release until like 7 pm. I also tend to wake up from afternoon naps on the weekend with anxiety. This is new for me since February of this year. I started taking Xanax .5 mg 3x a day in mid-March and then added Zoloft 50 mg at the end of March for several weeks I was sleeping through the night and waking up feeling ok. Recently my doctor switched me to Xanax extended release 1 mg which I've been taking for about 9 days. I'm wondering if the extended release is just not working for me as well as the separated doses.

Another thing that's started happening just this week is hot flashes and night sweats. I haven't experienced this before. I'm 38 but don't have any known hormonal issues per my annual well woman blood work. I did just finish my monthly cycle about 3 days ago so I'm wondering if that is related or if the hot flashes are a reaction/side effect of the Zoloft. I don't see it to be one and my mom says taking it has actually taken hers away. I've been taking the Zoloft for about 7 weeks now and the only side effects I had were GI related in the first few weeks.

Thanks for any feedback anyone has!

[Marebear913]

Hey! I'm new to this site also. I also experience the hot flashes during anxiety attacks and it makes me feel 10x worse. I am also on 50mg of Zoloft and have been on it for about 4 or 5 weeks and I don't think I notice any positive difference. Hoping to find something that works for me. I have panic disorder and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). When you wake up experiencing anxiety do some deep breathing exercises and look up some meditation apps. I recently started doing this and it does help. Best of luck to you and you can talk to me any time you have any questions!

[Rpan]

I wonder if the morning anxiety is tied to some sleep issues ( dreams )

Try guided imagery before you go to sleep and try drinking Calm-( cal mag) see if that lessons the morning anxiety. Lastly try getting off of sugar also.

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I used to use thought stopping to curb my morning anxiety. I would cut it off before it would take root.