Everyone has some health issue; I am disgustingly healthy with regard to cholesterol, heart function and blood pressure. My only health issue is clinical depression and, apparently, anxiety attacks.
This past week I tried to stop taking my SSRI (because I hate the side effects) and last night I had an anxiety or panic attack as a result. Why the feeling of panic? Because you feel like you are suffocating -- it is some function of the brain, according to what I read on the web. They call it a "misdirected suffocation alarm mechanism." You aren't actually suffocating and you aren't going to die, but it feels like sheeeee-it.
I got up and googled info on the web, and was able to finally overcome the attack with breathing exercises, walking and by taking my SSRI.
I feel fine this morning, quite normal. Just a little tired from not getting enough sleep last night.
Meanwhile, my G.P. doctor has prescribed Cymbalta for me to try in lieu of Zoloft. However, I am not going to just jump into a new SSRI. I am going to do some private research first.
My 2013 resolutions: (1) better manage my mental states (depression, anxiety) and (2) increase my personal energy levels for greater productivity.
Update: Cymbalta costs $300 for a month's supply of pills. Now there's a side effect (bankruptcy) that I am sure I wouldn't like. So that option is out.
Friday, December 28, 2012
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2 comments:
Nice...
A family member is on a low dose of Effexor XR (in generic form). It costs next to nothing and has helped her.
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