Public places

[lofeoutthere]

Does anyone else have this. Going into bright loud places like stores causes brain to feel jumbled, confused, very uncomfortable feeling? Went to the grocery store and I feel awful. Like I’m all confused/disoriented I can’t concentrate. Then I’m wiped out the rest of the day. It’s been like this since coming off afivan 14 months ago. Is this anxiety? Would ssri help? It’s a complete overstimulation. I keep doing these things I don’t feel anxious per say just awful, overwhelmed overstimulated. My brain almost feels like it could seize I feel that uncomforable.

[Agora1]

Hi lofeoutthere, that was me some time ago. Every sentence I read from you

post I was agreeing with what you are feeling. Any large gathering place was a

horrible experience. From church to large box stores to restaurants. Too much

stimulation. Put that together with getting off Ativan put me in a tail spin.

It takes time for the body to get use to functioning w/o artificial chemicals. The brain

needs to heal, needs to start functioning on it's own in producing what it needs.

After getting off both Xanax and then Ativan it took me 2 years to heal. During that

time I was put on Lexapro and that alone is carrying me through along with Meditation

and Deep Breathing daily.

I now do great in stores. Sometimes I think tht the benzos were making me more

anxious because of the up and down effect of the drug. Give it time as well as start

finding other methods that may help calm your mind and body. It does get better as

you accept these feelings as not life threatening. Acceptance is the key in getting well. xx

[lofeoutthere in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much. At what point coming off benzo did you start lexapro? My dr did prescribe it to me but I’m so scared to take anything that messes with brain, since knowing what Ativan did to me.

[Agora1 in reply to lofeoutthere]

I was put on Lexapro about the same time. It's been 5 years.

The Benzos and SSRIs work differently. The benzos are known more

for their immediate calming effect where as a SSRI can help us with

the way we perceive threat and fear. Therapy along with medication

can help immensely. Your doctor knows what is best for you. It's a matter

of finding the right medication and dosage. I hope you will give it a try.

My best to you. xx

[Delzek]

Hi, that's exactly what I feel prior to a Panic attack ! I have never been on afivan but I agoraphobic ,and have PTSD !

[lofeoutthere in reply to Delzek]

Ya I definitely get anxious when I feel this way. I can stay like this for a few hours or more and till don’t panic, although it feels like I’m going to. It’s so odd. Does anything help you?

[Delzek in reply to lofeoutthere]

Hi I have Diazepam an hour or so before I go out, it sometimes helps but not everytime. I dont like taking Diazepam and have worked out that my panic attacks are more likely when I am in a place where there are lots of people, so I try to go to those places when they are not busy. That helps.

[Dolphin14]

I cannot focus when overwhelmed with stimulation like that.

At work there are times when it gets so busy and so noisy I just go into shut down mode till it stops. I can't think straight at all.

I totally understand what you are describing.

[Jaylilly]

Yes. Holy damn. Yes! Weird sensation when turning my head too. Like a dizzy feeling.

[lofeoutthere in reply to Jaylilly]

Oh ya moving my head I feel dizzy/ fuzzy headed.