Tips anyone?
Posted , 8 users are following.
For real... this not sleeping thing is taking a toll on me. I wake up at 4am with my stomach turning and my chest burning and I end up being wide awake. I am going to my doctors Thursday to see what he suggests. I don't need an increase... I have no major anxiety and haven't had a panic attack since. Anyone know anything I can do to stay asleep? To take away from my stomach pain and my racing mind. I know there is help for anything, but I can't get so much sleep between now and Thursday and face school.
0 likes, 37 replies
kayleigh90874
Posted
Don't need an increase*
lesley_78762 kayleigh90874
Posted
Gerrymoo kayleigh90874
Posted
If you find the answer, please please let me know. I am having the same insomnia problem except the burning chest feeling and intense anxiety have stopped so that's something. There must be something we can take to help. I've already discussed with my GP about starting a small dose of amitriptyline ( this should help my bad back also). I've dithered about it but if it helps my sleep I'll at least give it a go !
kayleigh90874 Gerrymoo
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sarah24378 kayleigh90874
Posted
I get tension headaches and brain fog. Do you and have these improved on cit ?
kayleigh90874 sarah24378
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I never considered an upset stomach anxiety, I know it is... but I never got them often and they are usually tolerable (just not when I want to sleep and I am prone to acid reflux). I have brain fog today, because I am having a lazy, not moving day (plus I am on my period), but I haven't had one headache since starting Cit.
picachu kayleigh90874
Posted
when i started cita 10mg a bit over a month ago, i noticed the stomach growling and decline in appetite, to the point that i had to jot down when to eat because i knew my body needed nourishment - in addition, when i went to the doctor i had intense lower back pain and my sciattica was out of control (i sit all day for work) my blood pressure was high, too. i went online and wrote down all the foods that would lower my blood pressure - i bought them all and i ate them all, even though i didn't like them all - i took advantage of my lessened appetite to eat better, cut out ALL salt, sugar and caffeing (the withdrawals gave me the most intense headaches i've ever experienced) but as soon as i had the slightest hint, i started working out - at first, all i could do was 5 minutes on the elliptical. try walking, anything you can do that you can handle. other things that helped me: visualization (thinking of something that really brings you joy), essential oils - lavender to relax and peppermint to keep the headaches at bay - i swear by them - i place a couple of drops on a tissue and keep it near me. talk to your doctor, but, i have to say exercise has helped me tremendously - exercise brings on endorphins - and you want those! i've lost 10 lbs, my blood pressure is normal again and as far as my back, i realized i needed a better chair (duh). good luck! and don't give up! :-) i'm staying in cita 10mg for as long as i feel i need it to help me keep on the right track.
kayleigh90874 picachu
Posted
It does get better, I just started taking it almost 8 weeks ago so it didn't effect school (started college in September) and I had a severe panic attack. I don't get them often, but when I do it takes a week to get past it. Anyway, I have no anxiety to the point where I fear doing anything, just this stomach issue. Thank you for your tips! I can't wait for the snow to fall for snowshoeing season!! Exercise is definitely on my agenda!
picachu kayleigh90874
Posted
snowshoeing - awesome! but, try to start moving as soon as you can - you can start walking briskly, running in place in your own house, music was key for me, but i listened to lively music i liked (i hate those "workout playlists"
i listen to lively raggae, talking heads, even funny podcasts - and while you do, try visualizing yourself snowshoeing! smile! it was helpful to me stay in the NOW - rather than plan for some more complex exercise later on.
kayleigh90874 picachu
Posted
picachu kayleigh90874
Posted
frankly, that's not one of my issues - however, in the rare occasions when i have experienced it, i use spotify with earbuds with soothing nature sounds - my favorite is rain (rainstorms, gentle rains, etc.) i really think you should try working out - during the day, NOT before you go to bed - i'm a morning person, so i get up at 6a - walk dogs, feed them, eat a small amount of oatmeal, then work out and cool or warm shower - not hot. it gives me energy to deal with the day and the ROUTINE helps my body - if you want to do something before going to bed, try meditation or just some yoga stretches - nothing that will rev your body up. try to keep a schedule as consistent as possible. and, try not to use electronics like a computer, phone (except for soft music) at least an hour before heading to bed. i know that reading in bed puts me to sleep like clockwork, so, if you're the same, try that- just don't make it a subject that will increase your anxiety (politics, gossip, etc) - try something inspirational or spiritual, if you're so inclined - i like to read writings from the dalai lama.
kayleigh90874 picachu
Posted
picachu kayleigh90874
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that's terrific! - that's a start - why don't you contact your doctor and get something specifically for the acid reflux? also, review your diet and avoid foods that would tend to make that worse - your body is adjusting and you have to adjust with it. keep walking! :-)
kayleigh90874 picachu
Posted
I just wanna know that it will get better. Some days when I wake up and feel like that I worry and get irritated, but som people say 8 weeks is still early. It is doing it's job to the point where I am mobile and not panicing and overall happy and content, but my body just feels horrible sometimes.
Gerrymoo kayleigh90874
Posted
Hi kayleigh,
I'm the same! 9.5 weeks into 20mg and still feel yukky some days, very little anxiety or nausea now thank goodness but think the lack of sleep makes everything just feel worse sometimes
kayleigh90874 Gerrymoo
Posted
So, by yucky you mean stomach problems/lack of motivation because you feel yucky? Haha. Everyone LOVES sleep. Sleeping 4 hours a night is a pain when sleep is so important. I have no anxiety either. Just acid reflux (which I am prone to) and no sleep.
Gerrymoo kayleigh90874
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It's difficult to explain, not really nausea or reflux but just a strange feeling and shaky legs. Goes off fairly quickly and then feel OK, albeit tired later in the day
kayleigh90874 Gerrymoo
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But just to be clear, we are both dealing with insomnia, right? Reassurance helps. I know some people who had it off and on for months before it stopped, but ugh. I don't mind being up during the week, because I am in school, but weekends are aggrevating when I can't stay asleep. It will be 8 weeks Wednesday. I can't complain, because overall, I feel great and go do stuff throughout the day and I can fall asleep... but I dread waking up and knowing I can't fall back to sleep.
Gerrymoo kayleigh90874
Posted
Me too, I've laid awake for many an hour. Last few nights at least I've been able to get to sleep so that's something. I can't possible go back to work doing the job I do on 3/4hrs sleep per night.
kayleigh90874 Gerrymoo
Posted
I see my doctor Thursday (I personally think 20mg is too much. I am taking it to control rare panic attacks. By rare, I mean they rarely occur, but when they do, it takes a week to get past them) while I am in school. That and to get something for the acid reflux and get sleep tips. Just gotta keep telling myself it won't last forever.
Gerrymoo kayleigh90874
Posted
kayleigh90874 Gerrymoo
Posted
Will do! I know it definitely doesn't need to be increased! That I am sure. Hope you have a relaxing/restful evening!