anxiety

[LanaCSR]

Is anyone else experiencing anxiety? If so, what are good anxiety meds to take that won't make RLS worse?

[Hidden]

Steer away from SSRI's as they will make the RLS worse.

What non drug strategies have you employed? Have you identified the source of the anxiety? You really need to be asking these before looking at drugs.

Drug wise there are the benzodiazepines which are addictive and have destroyed numerous lives. Lyrica is used for anxiety and also RLS so that's a straight two for one right there.

You can also look to the likes of Kava Kava and cannabis to treat anxiety too.

However, long story short, if you can manage the anxiety without drugs you have a chance to beat it, with drugs you will be medicating the symptom leaving the underlying problem alone to continue to produce anxiety.

I developed anxiety issues a number of years ago and knowing what I know I used distraction as a means of breaking the cycle. I couldn't understand where the anxiety was coming from but learned that you can just get 'anxiety' as a symptom of M.E. regardless, every time I felt anxious I went and did something that took up my full intention whether it was play a musical instrument, have sex, whatever, I broke the focus from the thoughts, raised heart rate and increased breathing and onto what ever pleasurable or difficult task I was engaged with. I found it a great help.

I also made sure that if I was anxious about going to town that I did not stay at home, giving in to the anxiety reinforces it and makes it more difficult to break away from.

Can I also suggest, mindfulness and meditation, exercise - as vigorously as your body can manage, journaling - write down your feelings and thoughts in order to gain a better understanding and any activity you like that you need to focus on. Eat a healthy diet - junk food can cause depression and anxiety, you will feel better if you put better food inside you. Avoid alcohol which can cause anxiety particularly if you over do it and can't remember the day before!

That's all I can think of at the moment, hope that helps.

[LanaCSR in reply to Hidden]

Oh, thank you, Raffs! That was extremely helpful!! I will try the drug-free route.

[Hidden in reply to LanaCSR]

Please feel free to PM me for any advice or support. I know when this shit is happening it can seem overwhelming but you can take control back. Fair f**ks for going the non drug route and getting the problem sorted and treated properly. Best of luck in your journey.

Make sure and keep us posted of all that great progress you will make.

[Jelbea]

Hello again Lana I was just catching up on the posts and I saw yours. Do you think the buprenorphine is causing your anxiety, or perhaps it is just the fact that you are trying to get the dosage sorted out. I have read that the buprenorphine can actually help with depression even with small doses.

I do hope you get sorted quickly. Being overly anxious would be something which I get as well and I put it down to being really tired most of the time. As Raffs says its best to go and do something which takes up all your mind for a while but in saying this it is sometimes hard to have the energy to follow this through. You are probably much younger than me and still have some "get up and go". Mine has all "got up and gone".

[Sassy-here]

Doctors advice is what you need. Layman’s advice could be trouble 😌😌😌

[DicCarlson]

This may be of interest, completely eliminated severe anxiety... forums.phoenixrising.me/thr...

[LanaCSR in reply to DicCarlson]

Wow, that is interesting! Thank you for sharing. It might be worth trying.

[Blueeyes5265 in reply to DicCarlson]

Dam, I wish it was that easy

[batesm0t3l]

I suffered from severe mental health issues. I take Quetiapine which is fantastic for mental health issues but does cause severe RLS. Fortunately I take 30mg of Codeine 4 times a day which prevents the RLS symptoms from occurring. So, I have found Quetiapine and Codeine is a great balance.

[Blueeyes5265 in reply to batesm0t3l]

That's still drug controlled!

This country is full of people who take drugs to control ailments they have, and I suffer from that too!😠

But there is cannabis, that is good for RLS, except the state I live in,prefers I take pills because cannabis isn't legal 😡??

I know some things that are legal, that actually kill, and have killed 😫 my family and friends!😡

I knew people who could still be here,if not for becoming addicted to the legal stuff ☠️🤬😡

God, Help Us💕

[Dogdoo]

My psych actually is using gabapentin with me for anxiety.

I was on it for nerve pain anyway but he tweaked my dosage and timing and it works great for anxiety.

It is also used to treat RLS.

I'm on a fairly high dose; 600mg 2x a day and 180mg at bed.

I'm sure folks here will debate that dose but it works for me.

I've had addiction issues in my distant past so try to stay away from benzos.

I.do have a small rx for some ativan; 15 pills every 2 months but i rarely need them.

I'm dealing with thyroiditis and it sometimes causes breakthrough anxiety so its nice to have the ativan as a backup for thing like not having to leave work.l due to impending panic attack.

Edit to add: some folks can't just "mind over matter" their anxiety and need medication.

If you can deal with your anxiety with non-medication strategies but it doesn't work for everyone.

Please don't discourage or make people feel guilty for taking medication if it improves their quality of life.

[LanaCSR in reply to Dogdoo]

It is so good to hear that your doctor is helping you with your anxiety. I love hearing when someone has success whether it comes about from medication or not. Thank you for sharing! 🤗