agoraphobia and anxiety/panic attacks

Posted , 3 users are following.

ive just stumbled across this site and been reading some peoples stories and felt compelled to write something. very interesting to read other peoples experiences and to realise im not alone and im not some sort of freak. my question basically is have i been prescribed the correct medication? i suffer from bad anxiety and what has been diagnosed as agoraphobia. i try and lead as normal a life as possible holding down a job etc but i avoid busy supermarkets, town centres, hate sitting in restaurants unless im in the corner. i always feel as if people are looking at me and judging me even though ive been told im attractive and have nothing to worry about. that reassurance still doesnt seem to help though. i thought this medication was primarily for depression. i would say i suffer more from anxiety and stress. i want to run away in busy situations when my hands sweat and im head feels like it is about to explode. i wouldnt say i suffer from depression. i get down about being the way i am and very frustrated i cant lead a normal life because i avoid parties, evenings out, meals with friends etc but i try to remain positive. i would definetly recommend exercise. swimming, walking, cycling, it definetly helps with the mind games!! i used to abuse alcohol throughout my 20s to help me cope with situations where alot of people were about. i would drink in the mornings alot of the time just to get me out of the house. thankfully i realised a few years ago alcohol wasnt the answer and have found other alternatives. sorry to bore everybody with this but i couldnt stop when i got going. thanks for reading this. does anybody else share the same experiences as me? take care.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Richeyboy,

    I know exactly where you're coming from. I get bad anxiety and panic attacks, especially in supermarkets, out shopping, any sort of social interaction like that. I've been on Fluoxetine for 8 weeks now and it had definitely subsided (got better). Yes, it's still there, and i don't feel as confident as I was 3 years ago but it's getting better. The thing with Fluo is I was expecting it to work immediately but give it AT LEAST 2 months before you start to feel A BIT better. I'm hoping things will still improve but I'm staying positive. Good luck!

  • Posted

    I have had exactly the same symtoms that you have had and I have been on 20 mg flu since last May. I can now just get on with my life knowing that if I am in a restaurent, shopping or any other situation where I am surrounded by people I can cope. The Dr. has given me another 4 months prescrition however, I am anxious what will happen when I come off them as I dont want to go back to as I was before flu. Hope you get the same success.
  • Posted

    Hi Shelles

    I feel the same as you.

    I dont want to be on flu for years i wish i was just back to how i was years ago as i hate taking tablets. But i also worry about how my life will be when i do finally wean myself off them??

    As anyone on here come off them for good and been ok i wonder??

    Nicki

  • Posted

    thankyou very much for the replies. i really appreciate it and it has given me hope that fluoxetine will help me in the long run. all i want is to feel more relaxed in situations that most people take for granted like going shopping or for a meal. thanks again for your comforting words. :D
  • Posted

    hi nicki B. im sure you wont be on the tablets all your life. good luck. by the way have you found some walking friends? i highly recommend doing some exercise every day even if it is just very little, it really does help with your mind. take care. smile
  • Posted

    Hi Richie

    thanks for your message. I did have a couple of people message but iv nt heard anything since which was a shame as i wld have liked to meet up with people for a walk but maybe once the nicer weather comes i shld be able to get out then for a walk at least.

    Hope your well

    Nicki x

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.