Anxiety from Lupus

[jennyall12]

Anyone have anxiety / panic attacks from their Lupus?

[SjogiBear]

Yes - me! I have had panic attacks and anxiety issues going right back to when my lupus first started in my teens. I don't take any meds for it these days but have tried various things in the past. I know my general triggers for the panic attacks - people getting too close to me and crowds for example, so I just try to avoid situations where those issues may arise. As I understand it, there is a distinct link between lupus and sjogrens syndrome and anxiety - it is more common unfortunately: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... and lupusuk.org.uk/medical/nurs....

You might find this article helpful too as it is about a wellknown celebrity with lupus who also has had to deal with this situation: billboard.com/articles/colu...

[misty14]

Hi jennyall

Just wondering do you take the drug tapendidol,it's a painkiller. ?. I've just come off it as it was giving me terrible anxiety and panic attacks. I'm taking a different drug and been transformed. Hope your better soon as they're not nice. X

[Cas70]

Yes, it can be part of Lupus and Sjogren's- both of which I have. When it became too much (sole carer for sick husband too) I was reluctantly put on Sertraline- I wished I had taken advice earlier. It really helped - feel more like myself - able to cope and get on with things. Good luck

[Shaysuekirk]

I had it too. I think Lupus can make you haywire b/c you are hyperaware of every minor change or little tick of your body. It keeps your nerves on edge. I had been on Lexapro/Celexa and others for about 10 years UNTIL this year. After being on Gabapentin and Plaquenil for about 6 months, I was able to get off of Celexa, and I truly don't need it now. Gabapentin has luckily helped me will most of my symptoms. It does make you sleepy, but also relaxed. Now, to try to improve a the few nagging symptoms that are left.

[Chapter]

I do get quite anxious sometimes, always have been claustrophobic since a child, but could manage usually. I had noticed it getting worse the last 10 years (I was diagnosed 6 years ago), to the point now where I can not remain in vehicle when going through car wash, avoid large crowds (get anxious just being close to crowd), can not ride in back seat of vehicle unless I have a door, airplanes 😶 - I am usually fine in the air - it is the fear of being stuck inside and they won't let you out when it is still on the ground. A lot of bad nights not able to sleep because I was to anxious 😩. A couple of years ago when I was going through a flare and shingles at the same time (probably brought on by a traumatic event in family that I was still dealing with), my doctor prescribed Gabapentine for the shingles pain. I took it for 4-5 weeks then the shingles were under control so I quit taking it. Then I found I was feeling anxious again and was waking up a lot at night again, and realized that I had been feeling better when on the Gabapentine. The prescription she had given me was for much larger dose than I actually took and it was for more long term. About 6 months ago I went back and googled again and decided should try again. I already take a sleeping pill every night but it doesn't stop pain or whole body discomfort. I have been taking only two pills in evening (prescription says 3 x 3 a day) and sleeping pill at bed time. It has made my nights more comfortable and I feel a bit stronger emotionally. I try not to put myself in situations that will cause panics but still get caught sometimes. It is a very scarey feeling and I hope you find something that helps you. 🌹