Twitching agitation Akathisia

[Vicss]

I have agitated depression which means I am very restless and agitated anyway... Urghh anyone taken an antidepressant which didn’t cause Twitching/Increased agitation/Akathisia? Every med I go on seems to make me pace and twitch more so now I’m off meds but my anxiety is still horrendous. Desperate to try something that will make me move forward as I can’t keep going like this and I’m using all the tools I have! 😫😫 xxx

[HippiegirlAk]

Have you tried Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)? I'm not sure if the name is different in the UK. It is used for depression and anxiety and works quickly like Xanax.

I know this may sound silly, but have you tried the "Count of 5"? When you start having an anxiety attack, look around you and (these are examples. You can try whatever you want)

Count 5 blue things. 5 lines, 5 trees, 5 taxis-- you get the drift. It can help focus your mind on something other than your anxiety.

You can also memorize a poem, a quote, an affirmation and repeat that over and over until your mind stills.

I have the habit of using one hand and counting my fingers and that can sometimes calm an attack.

[Vicss in reply to HippiegirlAk]

Thank you no I haven’t but I will ask - the problem is I do need an antidepressant and proper anxiety med as I am really struggling x I have tried those ideas....thank you for suggesting but I think my anxiety is so extreme that I’m unable to use those techniques successfully but I appreciate your kindness ❤️

[HippiegirlAk in reply to Vicss]

I totally understand! I am on hydroxyzine and xanax (if I need it). Some of us just need to go the medical route! I do use the exercises when needed. Go to a Dr asap and get evaluated and get the proper medication.

Please keep us updated!

I do hope you find relief soon.💚

[Kam360]

Hi Vics, my muscles also twitch. Some days worse than others. Plus, I sweat too with my meds. I'm prepared to put up with these symptoms, as long as my meds work! If you need meds, take them. Perseverance is key. Push your way through, make the twitches your friends. They are harmless, and if you try to relax, will not seem so bad. Sending Strength, love and hugs....you are not alone.❤️😘🤗

[Vicss in reply to Kam360]

Thanks Kam. What meds are you on? For anxiety more than depression? I also have pacing so that’s really difficult! X

[Kam360 in reply to Vicss]

Hi Vicss! I'm on 100mg of Sertraline for depression and I have 2mg Diazepam for residual anxiety. Sertraline, I've been on 100mg for about a month and as yet it hasn't kicked in so looks like time is of the essence. I also have stg3 kidney disease from an attack of Vasculitis in 2014, which means keeping an eye on meds and dosages. I have totally lost my confidence and find any outing stressful, this is where the diazepam comes in handy. I only take a half tab if I need it. I am 62 and have had depression and anxiety for 30 odd years. I was on Venlafaxine which stopped working. I've tried 3 or 4 other meds, ended up with the Sertraline, which is kinder to my kidneys!😘❤️🤗

[Kam360]

What do you take sweetheart, anything to calm the pacing and connected symptoms?😘🤗😘

[Vicss]

I tried sertraline but I couldn’t stop pacing or sit still!! I’m on fluoxetine and it’s just as bad pacing wise if not worse x I have diazepam but nothing touches it have to pace nearly all day until it exhausts me. It’s the meds doing this as it wasn’t that bad before x I just wish I could take something that didn’t have that side effect x

[Kam360 in reply to Vicss]

Have you tried Trazodone? Read up about it. 😘

[BastCat in reply to Kam360]

Trazadone combined with Prozac is what caused my Akathisia. Those were both stopped. Six months later a doctor gave me Klonopin which helped a lot until he added Prozac and now the Akathisia is out of control.