Medicine for anxiety?

Marie711

I hate taking any medicine but I'm thinking now it might help. The last couple of months have been a challenge. I watched my husband have a stroke in March. I think that almost gave me PTSD. I did not sleep well for the first 6 weeks. I would wake up every hour or two and want to check his vital signs! The doctor prescribed Wellbutrin and then the next day added buspar after I had a bit of a crying spell. I could not tell if they were working but my heart seemed to be skipping a lot so she put me on a 30 day heart monitor. I had the idea that maybe the meds we causing the heart skipping so I stopped them and thought the skipping was less. 8 weeks after his stroke I find out through a routine mammogram I have cancer. I had a right MX on the 9th and yesterday find out the lymph node they thought was clear was not. More surgery and chemo. I thought I could just be tough, but the heart skipping is back and I wonder if even though I think I'm calm most of the time my body is telling me differently. I hate to add more meds with the chemo, but what has helped you ladies?

208sandy

Marie - I went through the same situation as you seven years ago - my heart was skipping too and it was diagnosed as A-fib - I apparently had had it since birth (69 years ago) - you need to see a cardiologist and have it diagnosed there are very good drugs to treat it but you should go as soon as possible - also I use Ativan on occasion for PTSD and anxiety issues - I don't need it every day now of course but it is there when I need it - you need to probably be on something and you shouldn't go off of anything without your drs. being informed as going off of anti-depressants can cause problems if not done gradually - I hate taking meds too but during this period of our lives they are necessary. Good luck to you.

Marie711

thanks Sandy. The heart monitor did not show afib and I see a cardiologist next week. I was only on the meds for two weeks and the doctor knew I quit.

vlnrph

Marie, it sure sounds like you could benefit from a trial of lorazepam (generic name for Ativan). Especially to regain your strength and then heal from surgery, good sleep is very important.

Even though we are going into the weekend, maybe your doctor or an associate can call in a prescription without an office or urgent care visit. Phone them in the morning.

Wellbutrin is really more of an antidepressant, which might also be helpful in the long run but right now I think you want quick relief from this terrible string of events. Hopefully your hubby is on the road to recovery and you both can continue to get well together.

wrenn

i third the occasional ativan recommendation. It takes the edge off without making youmfeel drugged. I hope things settle down for you soon. No wonder you have anxiety. You deserve to have it treated. Wishing you comfort

labelle

Xanax. I don't think I could have made it thru the first few months post BC diagnosis without it. It provides immediate relief from anxiety attacks. It worked for me. I seldom use it now, but it was sanity saver.

flaviarose

I had skipping beats too during my chemo year. Heart tests were negative. Maybe it was anxiety. I consulted with a nutritionist who put me on Taurine and Magnesium, and the skipping got better. Good luck to you.

lmoore4

I found I had more anxiety while on AC and less while on taxol. I definitely benefited from Ativan and a good cry. Taxol was less anxiety but more heart palpitations , I chalked up to steroids. I've been off chemo 6 weeks and no longer have heart palpitations ! I found as I went through chemo, it had a rhythm , more anxiety in the afternoon ( which was a signal I was getting tired). More crying at night ( tired again). And my best energy in am, so I worked shorter days, and left work early. I didn,t nap but was in bed very early! You will find your rhythm , and get through chemo. it's hard stuff, but it is doable! Give yourself credit everyday for your strength and be kind to yourself . This year is for you to get treatment and get well. Best to anyone starting out.

Jenwith4kids

I would absolutely not hesitate to ask for ativan.

Beatmon

and if one antidepressant doesn't work or has bad side effects, try another one

lyzzysmom

Marie, I am so sorry you are going through such a rough time.

I cannot tolerate any SSRI or similar anti-depressents - Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor etc. just make me feel ill but I swear by low dose lorazepam (Ativan). I have taken on and off for a long time with zero side effects and find it definitely helps with anxiety also getting to sleep.