Is this Anxiety? or GAD

[Lowlow64]

Hi. I've had generalized anxiety episodes before but I can't remember all the symptoms.

I am having an episode right now and it is not cool. I have symptoms that hurt my ribs, back, and an annoying pit in my abdomen. They come and go and it frustrates me. They started when this episode started. I have been on escitalopram but waiting to kick in. Have been on it for 4 weeks. It helped before. I been using lorazepam for anxiety and it helps but Dr. gave me propranolol, I believe thats how you spell it. Now I woke up with a panic attack and don't know if I should take again. This stinks cause it affects my whole world. Don't want to go to work. Is this normal?

[Perriex]

Hey there,

The only med you're on that I am familiar with is the Lorazepam.

Your situation is a challenging one. I have no medical training, so I'm treading lightly here.

The pain in the pit of your stomach could be anxiety. When my anxiety is bad, I often feel almost nauseous.

The pain in your ribs and back could be depression. I started having pain all over for awhile & it was definitely my depression.

The "coming and going" is what makes me think it is mental stuff.

I would think the Escitalopram would be giving you some relief by now, but not necessarily. Some meds take 6 weeks to kick in, and some don't do much at all.

It sucks when you don't know if the meds are working or not.

The Propranolol worries me. I clicked on it under "related tags" under your post, and it looks like lots of people have had difficulties with it. I would talk to your doctor as soon as you can.

Completely understandable to not want to go to work!

I hope you're doing ok. Hang in there. Meds are frustrating, but they can give you a lot of relief.

[Lowlow64 in reply to Perriex]

Thank you Perriex. I am not going to take the propranolol anymore. I think it didn't work for me. I think I am slipping into depression. I hate waking up to anxiety every morning. I want to feel normal again. thank you

[Crochet1957]

When you have anxiety issues it also effects your body I’ve been there

[Lowlow64 in reply to Crochet1957]

Crochet1957 I've had anxiety before and I know it affects the body in many places. For me, especially the stomach and digestive system. I started practicing some deep breathing techniques to stimulate the parasympathetic system. I know it is way early, but at least I feel a little better. I spoke to my wife today and we had some good conversations. I am happy she stayed home to support me. I feel like we had a good day. God is good. Thank you for your support.