Is this really anxiety?

[Saw1977]

I just got off the phone with my dr, she wants me to try to take .25 ativan in the morning and .25 at night and start lexapro. I’ve been sick for 5 weeks (severe nausea, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, unrested sleep, joint pain, neck & back pain). I had lab work done in ER and they couldn’t find anything wrong with me. She wants to rule out my anxiety issues before bringing me in for more additional tests. I’ve just never taken meds before, but I’m not getting better. I am convinced that I have suddenly developed cfs/me, which isn’t helping.

Brief background, I have history of anxiety with germs (always been functioning) and started having my first anxiety attacks during the virus outbreak before my illness began.

I’m just having a hard time believing this is anxiety.

[Saw1977]

Thoughts anyone?

[Callie67]

In all blunt honesty, anxiety is a bitch! It can cause all sorts of physical symptoms. Which is good AND bad. Bad because a lot of doctors want to blame everything on anxiety, which is wrong bc it’s not always anxiety. Good because if it is “only” anxiety, at least it’s better than having a serious (less manageable) illness. The swollen lymph nodes sounds a little worrisome though, but I’m also not a doctor.

What I can say is, you DON’T want to be on Ativan long term. I built up a dependence on it last year and it took months to correctly wean off. Any benzo isn’t good long term. It might be good short term to see if your physical symptoms calm down though. That will definitely give you your answer.

[Saw1977 in reply to Callie67]

Thank you! Can I ask how long it took for you to develop dependence? I’m really nervous about this... I’m sure everyone is different, but I heard it can happen quickly.

[Callie67 in reply to Saw1977]

I was first on it a few years ago. Think I took it three times a day and was fine. This second time around I was only on it a few weeks but I think I was taking it 6 times a day. It was like clockwork, I just became so obsessed with it. But I was also dealing with bad vertigo from a concussion and I think the Ativan really helped that, so I was just so desperate with feeling better.

My aunt’s been taking it once a night for years to help her sleep and she’s been fine, so you’re right about it being different for everyone.

[Callie67 in reply to Saw1977]

It’s safe to take! Just be cautious of it. Watch how often you take it or how much. And feel free to ask anything! This site really helped me when I was going through med changes.

[Marc787]

Anxiety can be debilitating. It affects our whole well being. Anti anxiety meds are very addictive. It's not worth it but if you really need to try it. No longer than 2 weeks. Please be very careful. There's other alternative ways to help with your anxiety.