My first post

[Bannor]

I’m dealing with swallowing difficulties which is causing me great anxiety. I have meds but doc says it could take 2-3 months before throat issue is resolved. I was given 15 pills of Lorazepam to help with anxiety which helped but can’t get refilled. Anxiety is 10 times worse at night and I’m having difficulty dealing with that right now. Any advice?

[Hidden]

I dont have any advice as Im new here. Having swallowing problems must be scary. Have you talked to your docs office about needing more lorazepam? Anxiety( and everything else) always seems worse at night when it’s quiet and no distractions. I have a fib and when I get an episode it creates a lot of anxiety. Ive learned some relaxation and breathing techniques that have helped me.

[Sadeyez]

Is your swallowing problem physical first and then emotional, or emotional and then gets worse physically? I have swallowing problems that are unrelated to my mental health issues. If you feel as though you can't swallow your saliva and/or having breathing difficulties, I would suggest going to the emergency room. I just came out of the hospital for mine. I think the underlying physical aspect has to be dealt with first and then your anxiety may subside. Please don't hesitate to call for help if you are in an emergency situation.

[Bannor in reply to Sadeyez]

The difficulty in swallowing is physical (and freaks me out/scares me) which is causing the anxiety/panic attacks. I can manage the anxiety during the daytime but when evening comes it becomes 10 times worse. I would take Lorazepam on an as needed basis (which turned out to be almost every night). My doctor took me off Lorazepam yesterday and started me on Paxil. I am not depressed but he said its one of the best anti-depressants for anxiety. He also said it might take awhile before it starts to work (which heightened my already existing anxiety). Anyway, took my first dose this morning. I'm also seeing a speech pathologist (first appointment is this Sat) to help with the swallowing (plus the meds I'm taking for that). They "think" GERD/high acid reflux has scarred my esophagus and throat which is causing the swallowing difficulty but will take awhile 2-3 months to heal. Its been almost 3 weeks now. Although the swallowing difficulty has improved a little, the anxiety has not. And the doctor is saying that the anxiety is impacting the GERD/high acid reflux, making it almost like a circular effect. I am seriously considering counseling to help me deal with all this. I've been to the ER once already when all this started.

[Toosad65]

I also take Lorazepam for Anxiety. It has truly saved my life. I also have swallowing problems due to acid reflux. When I have a Anxiety attack it effects my eating. I can not eat. Something in my brain shuts off and can not even force myself to take a bite. So, that has over the years caused a huge problem for me. Terrible acid problems. Food gets stuck in my throat sometimes causing me to panic. It's a vicious circle. You need to find a new Dr. Paxil is a antidepressant, and not a very good one at that. I took it and had terrible withdrawals. Find a Dr. who will listen to you. Many Drs. Will not prescribe Lorazepam as some claim it is highly addictive. That is hogwash. I have taken it for 20 years. It does not give me a high at all. It does what is suppose to and that is stopping the attack. If you need any help please send me a message. You have to take control, be polite, but demand the Lorazepam. Good luck

[Bannor in reply to Toosad65]

Thank you for your comments; it was very helpful.