Anxiety Forum

[emmalampkin]

Hi guys, im pretty new to this (joined up today) as wanted to share a few things with you all...

Well i have been suffering with agoraphobia/anxiety/panic now for 10 months now, altho ive had attacks since i was 18 (im now 25), only the last 10 months have i been housebound. I had a really bad 2 weeks which was around 10-12 weeks ago now ie: shaking for 4 days/weak feeling/irational thoughts/intense fear, and well after that passed i thought to myself- well i physically cannot feel any worse than this so sod it im going out, and i started to go to a few near places, going further each time and well i was doing really well up until a week ago, my anxiety really came back full on, and i mean it has scared the hell out of me! I did make it to the doctors today in person(last 3 times he has had to come out to me) so i know im still doing ok on the outside bit, but i did freak a little bit outside but once in there i was okay.. Anyway they have tried to give me medication- paxil, but ive read so many horror stories i dont want to take it now, she also gave me 7 diazapam tablets and told me to take them with the paxil for the 1st 3-4 days.. Is this a good idea to take them both bearing in mind i have had a effrox before and this made me so much worse, i only took one tablet and it woke me up at night and gave me the biggest attack of my life.

I do have councilling on Monday also so im hoping this will help.
I try and self medicate also, by listening to chill out music, lavender oil/burner/ light candles etc which helps to a point.. But lately as soon as i wake i feel anxious specially this week.
I live with my partner but he doesnt understand, he threatened to leave me today if i dont sort it out (he means take medication), which really upset me, i think he is just frustrated as i always call him and make him come home from work 9he has his own business), i know me calling him stresses him out as im taking him away from a job that has to be done, but im that fearful that i go hysterical and it makes me feel worse when he is not here.

I just want peoples advice or tips they may have to help- im sorry for my essay but i have to get off my chest how i feel as the irrational thoughts are beginning to take over, they just come and then go but when there here- there here in force! im sure ppl know what i mean.

anyway all thoughts/tips etc welcome and feel free to ask me any questions u may have:)
E. x

[smartshoppimama]

Hello, there I just joined today as well. As far as advice goes all forms of therapy come with their risks, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I honestly believe you should take the paxil and the diazepam. If you start to experience side effects then call your doctor and see what can be done. I have not personally ever taken diazepam but I am currently in nursing school finish in 1 year and have seen it to be very effective with patients for anxiety. The paxil will take a little longer to kick in. I am taking zoloft 50mg for my anxiety and it helps but it doesn't completely take the edge off so I might possibly be looking to increase my dose or try a different medication. Also, I am trying to get myself back into therapy because until I can deal with the real underlying issues I will never fully overcome this disease. Hope this helps