Anxiety

[Jansy16]

My Anxiety level is very high, as I struggle with my breathlessness. I live on my own but my children visit regularly. I've had a bad spell of anxiety lately & the Dr would only prescribe me a short course of Diazapan, I find they help me a lot to calm down. Just wondering if there is another anxiety medication that the Dr's have prescribed anyone on a regular basic as I definitely need something that works similar. Many thanks for any feedback. I have severe COPD.

[knitter]

I tried Xanax but it didn’t suit ….spent my time being sick .

Claire Weeke ‘s books on anxiety I found helpful .

Havening technique on you tube .

Pursed lip breathing .

Hopefully someone can recommend some medication that you could ask your health professional about , see if it’s suitable for you .

I hope you can get some help, anxiety and panic attacks are debilitating and frightening .

[CDPO16]

Hi Jansy, I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for quite a long time. I know all the theory of relaxation techniques, mindfulness etc. but putting them into practice when an anxiety or panic attack comes on suddenly is a different matter. My GP prescribed me Mirtazapine 15mg which I reluctantly agreed to try. They took about a month to have full effect but have helped a lot although I still get attacks of anxiety and panic, they are less severe and more short lived most of the time. I was referred to palliative care last summer and the nurse from that team prescribed me diazepam 2mg twice a day. Initially the sense of calm was wonderful but that has worn off now. For over 4 years I have been on oramorph and as well as easing breathlessness, this also helps take the edge off anxiety.

As knitter said, Claire Weekes books are very helpful. Her work is also available on audio tape. She teaches ways of accepting how we feel and continuing in spite of it. Years ago I used to walk off anxiety and panic but my lung disease is such now that I can no longer do that. I hope that you find something to help you, breathlessness itself is enough to cope with without the rest added on. Best wishes, Carole xx

[Patk1]

There are lots of coping strategies on ALUK iincl pursed lips controlled breathing.take a look too at Mindsmatter.trouble is with anxiety, it can make yr breathing worse & visa versa, which can lead to poor disordered breathing patterns,reducing 02. There are various cbt+ other courses if yr prepared to put the work in which give u the tools to take control and manage it.xxx

[garshe]

I have Severe COPD and suffer health anxiety which can cause a panic attack. I have been Prescribed Lorazapam to take twice daily I dont take them daily only when I feel I require them and if I am not going out never take them . The dosage is very low O.5 mg. But they work when required . Controlling my breathing is a great relaxant and can prevent an attack.xx💕⚘Sheila

[Tykelady]

For many years now I have been taking Citalopram, an anti depressant/anxiety medication which has served me well. I still get anxious, but no longer have illogical anxiety and the breathing techniques usually help me. I have never had side effects. xx

[leo60]

Hi Jansy! Anxiety is horrible isn't? I have severe COPD as well and get / got attacks frequently. I have found that understanding the physiology around anxiety really helps and the breathing techniques that come with that. I also find that Oromorph helps massively and I take it when I know I am going to be in a triggering situation. I also agree with Tykelady re: Citalopram, it seems to have taken the edge off things!

All the best with it xx

[SparkySW123]

Hi Jansy16, I too suffer from very high anxiety levels due to my breathing problems, particularly at the moment. I have frequent panic attacks and also suffer from depression. I have been taking Diazapam for a while now and bellieve I'm addicted. Take 7.5 mgs twice a day. I suffest you speaking to your GP about Lorazapam which is faster acting that Diazapam. Also have Oromorph (classified drug) which I don't take regularly but it certainlt helps to calm down your breathing whne things reach a pitch. Hope that helps xx