Racing heart

[labnerd]

I am new to this support group. Just signed up today actually. So since April of this year my anxiety has gotten really bad. I was put on Lexapro and Buspar years ago, but quit taking them due to the fact that I could no longer get any sleep. My legs would start to cramp up and constantly twitch. I was able to deal with my anxiety on my own after that point until recently. This time I started experiencing panic attacks. My biggest issues lately have been my heart racing and I am constantly worried that something is wrong with me. Any slightest pain or off feeling that I am not used to sends me into a panic attack. They tried to put me back on lexapro, but the 2nd time around was AWFUL. I didn’t eat for 4 days. I had no appetite and I was so sick to my stomach. On top of that, it made my anxiety worse. I was put on propranolol for my racing heart, but it only helps so much. My doctor prescribed me Wellbutrin but I haven't filled the script yet. I'm afraid to take it and have bad side effects. Does anyone experience the racing heart a lot, or even feeling like something is wrong with you? I feel like I am obsessing over my health way too much. I am also currently trying to plan a wedding, so I am sure the stress from that isn't helping.

[BonnieSue]

Hi labnerd,

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles with anxiety. It can get pretty miserable, I know.

Your legs cramping and twitching may have been RLS-restless legs syndrome. Did they jerk and twitch steady for 30-60 minutes at a time? Sometimes longer? Often right as you lay down to go to sleep? You can read about this to see if that's what it was/is. If so, you would still take your antidepressant, antianxiety med, but add Mirapex/pramipexole for the RLS. It works great!

Now your anxiety is focused on your racing heart and panic attacks, I'm sorry to hear for your sake. Your racing heart seems a natural result from that uncontrolled anxiety. When I had it, it was pretty awful. It's possible the Wellbutrin could help, or there's a small chance it could add to the nervousness. What did your doctor say? I'm sure your doctor is confident in the Wellbutrin or he/she wouldn't have given it to you. If you are really worried about it, seek assurance from your doctor by phoning him/her. The propanolol usually does help, so I'm not surprised it's helping you.

I'm not a doctor, but an old labnerd myself. I remember feeling like adrenaline was surging into my heart and it would race faster and faster out of control due to the anxiety of my GAD--generalized anxiety disorder--being out of control. Eventually Tranzene/clorazepate got it under control and life began to be ok. But it did take weeks to work completely.

You're right, any stress will definitely make things worse. Just do your best to handle the stress with calm. Relax with breathing exercises and other methods whenever possible. Write me if you have any other questions or need, ok? Take care, Hugs and Love...

[labnerd in reply to BonnieSue]

Yes it was RLS. I really didn’t want to have to take another medicine for something else so that’s why I stopped it. It was really annoying at bedtime. Unfortunately I just stopped my lexapro cold turkey, so i suffered awful withdrawals. Wasn’t smart on my part.

The last few days I have been really thinking about filling the prescription for Wellbutrin. I can just give it a try and see if it helps. My doctor did seem to think it would help me. I am also in the process of looking for a therapist to help me find ways to cope with my anxiety. I want to learn how to deal with it without medicine.

Thank you so much, I really do appreciate your response.

[imasleep123]

I had always experienced racing heart but It didn’t really worry me as much, the hyperventilating is what got to me most times. I learned early on that anxiety symptoms can feel scary and like your sick, so I always tried to think to myself. “Am I sick or is this just my anxiety” and I always try to be cautious and careful with interpreting my symptoms.

Anywho, welcome to the group! It’s a great start to getting better. My therapists are always telling me social support is very important. 🙂

[labnerd in reply to imasleep123]

I try to think logically when my anxiety is acting up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I like to take walks. It really helps being outside. It’s like as soon as I step outside I instantly feel better.

Thank you for your reply! I really do appreciate it. I’m currently looking for a therapist to help me. I figured I would start here until I found one. It really is helping me talking to everyone.

[Craftykat]

I feel my heart is alittle louder in the morning and night but then goes away but it's a everyday thing..i havent gone to a cardiologist yet but hopefully soon.im not sure why it happens when im feel okay and having a good day it still have that sensation..

[labnerd in reply to Craftykat]

That’s kind of how it is for me. I only really notice it at night and in the morning. I’m constantly busy at work so it keeps my mind off it. Once I’m home and relaxed I feel it. I did go to a cardiologist because I had an abnormal EKG, but everything came back perfectly fine. I also get a lot of palpitations. Those really bother me at night.

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. I hope you get to a cardiologist soon and everything comes back ok.

[lillyofthevalley37]

You might want to post this on the anxiety support community too there are loads of people with health anxiety I have been through it myself recently it is horrible and it seems to me more and more people are suffering from it and it truly is suffering also I think the media plays on it a bit