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Never had a problem with sleep and anxiety.............until now....

Posted , 4 users are following.

steve2008
steve2008

Most of the time, I was always able to sleep ok. I've always had high BP but been too much of a wuss to do anything about it (I know I know). I had a wake up call last year when I collapsed and was taken into hospital. Because of several episodes when my heart rate 'paused', I had a pacemaker fitted (I'm 57) and was prescribed BP tablets. In hospital they also gave me a sleeping pill to let me get some rest from the background noise in what was a busy ward.

I came home and slept fitfully because of the wound healing.

Eventually it healed but then my sleep issues started. I found I could only manage a short time asleep before I woke up ( 2 to 3 hours) and then I lay there anxiously trying to go back to sleep. I looked on this site (at the forums) and thought it might be my BP meds that were causing the anxiety. The doctor agreed to change to a different type of medication (from Ramipril to Losartan), it hasn't helped. I'm still anxious and can't sleep very well without taking a pill (Zopiclone). I get about 5 to 6 hours then. I find I am really anxious during the day. Used to like a visit(s) to the pub some nights to meet mates but now can't face it or the orange juice.

In an attempt to help me chill, my GP prescribed Citalopram as an anti depressant but they made me feel even more anxious. When he was on leave, another doctor changed that to Mirtazipine as she thought it would be more helpful and have less side effects. I took it for a few days but it absolutely zombie me out. I wasn't anxious but couldn't sleep but also couldn't get out of bed. I existed.

I have more tests due but so much want this nightmare to end. At first I thought it was simply a case of getting more sleep. How come the whole thing is escalating and is seemingly out of control? Is it all psychosomatic?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • judithE
    judithE

    Posted

    Our minds are very complex and powerful tools, perhaps your 'wake up' call really had a greater impact on you than you think. Try to stay positive and perhaps make small changes to your lifestyle which led to your high BP and collapse in the first place. It could be helpful to speak with a professional about how your feeling.

    Needless to say, speak to your GP again about your current combination of meds as they could be causing your anxiety and sleeplessness.

    Steve, best wishes and go to the pub and see your friends. Worrying alone at home can't be good for your mind.

  • steve2008
    steve2008

    Posted

    Thanks judithE,

    Your reply is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Perhaps a trip to the pub is what's needed. So much to think about perhaps a change of scenery would be a good start.

  • rob74885
    rob74885

    Posted

    Hi Steve, Citalopram in my opinion, is making the anxiety worse. Aloth of patients find Citalopram cause anxiety and sever insomnia. Make sure that you are taking it in the morning and as early as possible. If the anxiety and sleeping problems insist on your meds being changed. Be warned, if you are experiencing probelms with Citalopram careful with the Doctor prescribing Sertraline, which can cause anxiety, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety will definety take away your sense of confidence, and your depression will worsen, thus not wanting to get out of bed, and not being able to sleep. Take action now, better to see a phyciatrist than a GP, and get your anxiety uinder control, a tranquiliser will help until a newly prescribed tabley can kick in, plus a good sleeping tablet. When one has depression, it doesnt matter what people say about things being psychosomatic, and definetly stay away from anything herbal. Take action now, and all the best Steve. Rob
  • steve2008
    steve2008

    Posted

    Thanks so much Rob. I've just come back from the docs and told him how I feel and he's taken me off the anti depressants. So no more Citilopram or Mirtazipine. I feel some relief just thinking about that. I have arranged to see the local mental health team. Steve
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