New to this anxiety thing...

[peachz5886]

Hi everyone, I am new to the anxiety thing and I am looking for some info/help/thoughts/etc. About a month ago, I was in the backseat and all of a sudden I had this feeling come over me, I had shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, nausea, dizziness and just the feeling of passing out. Ever since then, I've had multiple panic attacks (feeling the same way), went to the ER twice, my family doctor multiple times, had numerous blood tests, EKG's, cat scan, heart monitor, and just recently did an u/s of the heart. I'm convinced it's my heart or some other health issue that my doctor is missing. My doctor has recently put me on Sertraline 25mg (a week ago today) and Clonazepam to help me through the anxiety. I still feel very off. I need to get better ASAP, I have a 2 and 1/2 yr old son who is my world and is with me all day and I can't even play with him. I'm tired, nauseous, always feeling anxious and dizzy all day. I have the chest pains that come and go, it's been a rollercoaster since day 1. I feel like I'm disconnected from everyone, I'm terrified of having another panic attack. I I feel horrible because he's so energetic and I don't want to be bothered. I bawled my eyes out yesterday just thinking about how things have changed within the past month. I don't want to be this kind of mom to him, he deserves more. Has anyone out there tried medication to help with the anxiety? And if so, how long until the start up side effects wear off and is 25mg sufficient enough for anxiety? I

[teajay]

Make sure to get as much rest as possible which I know sounds silly considering how busy being a mom of a young child is. But keep things simple, everything does not have to be perfect..simple meals, no chores have to be completely finished...you and your child come first. Don't be afraid to ask for help... maybe someone can babysit for an hour so you can nap. My doctor gives me Xanax as needed for anxiety. I rarely take it these days and only needed a few times daily for a little over a week. Wben things were.bad. For a year now I've been on 40 mg. Viibyrd and 300 mg. Lithium daily and I feel better than I've felt in years. Driving over bridges...when driving at all was nearly impossible a year ago. Even public speaking.. actually enjoyed it...

I wish you well.

[penelope061812]

Hi firstly I suffer the same symptoms as you are,I too am on sertraline and it takes time to work give it longer and you should start to feel more in control, also the doctor has to start you on lower dose and increase slowly if needed. Side effects can also make you feel rough at first as you adjust to the medication. It does take time just keep going and tell your doctor how you are feeling on the dose you are on but give it time to work.I have two grandsons I have to look after while daddy works and during the holidays and I worry too that I need to do more with them , but love is the main thing kids need a cuddle goes a long way . Just give it time take your medication and keep talking to your doctor . This site is a great support too and the people here all understand and want to help each other. It sucks having this but it can and will get better .Big hug from me to you. Penny.

[penelope061812]

P.s. The chest pains etc are all part of the illness , I ended up in A and E a few times thinking I was really ill.

[peachz5886]

Thanks for the replies. I'm on day 9 tonight and it's been a struggle. I'm tired all the time, queasy, my anxiety seems to be through the roof in the mornings. I got woken up at 3am this morning with crazy anxiety and it took me a good hour or so to fall back asleep and when I got up at 7:30, the anxiety was still there. Still no appetite. I really hope I can stick this out and it benefits me but right now it's beyond hard.