Crippling physical effects of anxiety

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I have been battling GAD for about 5 months. It began when I started and stopped a high blood pressure medication called Amlodipine with one of the side effects and withdrawal symptoms being anxiety. I have been playing a waiting game for the symptoms to subside for 5 months now with little success. The crippling symptom I have is approximately every three days I am overwhelmed with brain fog, fear, light head dizziness, worries, confusion and weakness. The episodes last from 24 to 36 hours and come on out of nowhere. Has anyone else experience similar with their anxiety issues? Is it possibly a build of the anxiety that triggers these episodes? I am currently on short term disability from work due to these episodes. I have to get this figured out. My PCP is equally stumped. I am trying to avoid any medications as I am highly sensitive and it's likely a medication that got me into this mess to start with. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    I would think that the effects of stopping the blood pressure medication would have worn off by now. It’s possible that you have generalized anxiety which is causing the lightheadedness, dizziness, brain fog, etc. Those are all very common symptoms of anxiety and stress. i’ve had them all plus many more. I am also highly sensitive to medication so I can’t really take anything.

    when sensations and symptoms are related to anxiety, it’s difficult for doctors to figure that out a lot of the time. I had to figure it out on my own. I had to find a counselor that I liked, and try to get as much information on anxiety management as I could. There’s so much material out there that would be helpful for you. Also YouTube has some great talks on anxiety management as well as great meditations for anxiety.

    think if there’s anything in your life that is causing you anxiety right now.

    if these sensations don’t go away consider speaking with a counselor. I do that once a week virtually and it works great.

    Fear is a huge symptom of anxiety and it can put negative thoughts into your mind. be aware of that and realize that those thoughts are not based on facts or reality. You can let them go just don’t follow them.

    you’re going to be OK. Get some support for this and remember those symptoms related to anxiety are not harmful even though they feel weird. Take care of yourself

    • Posted

      Thank you Jan..........this is all most helpful. I am currently meeting twice per week with two different groups via Zoom. I participate in the workshops, share what I can, take what I can and leave the rest. They are helpful. I am also reading a book about CBT techniques suggested by my PCP. Unfortunately there seems to be a mental health crisis around here regarding therapists. I have been seeking but the best I've found so far is to get on a two month wait list. I am experimenting a little bit with a magnesium supplement. It comes with a little bit of nausea but seems to help with sleep. I want to go back to work but feel that I somehow need to get a month behind me without these reoccurring symptoms before I can seek new employment. I am not young and the fears of lack work, $$ and my financial future are a bit paralyzing at times. Thank you for assuring that all will be ok as I often feel discouraged and hopeless. Thank you again for your encouragement. I will keep moving forward as best I can.

  • Posted

    hi there, sorry to hear you are not well. i too was feeling very physically ill for over 2 months plus. took an online course on natural therapies for anxiety and they recommended this supplement called L-theanine. its a natural and found in tea leaves. maybe u can google and find out. it has helped me alot and i can see a difference. of cos i am still not 100 percent well and have been having jaw tension etc. anyways best of luck!

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