Beauty

[Wildapple]

Another vote for Andrew Lessman's Woman's Wellness.

[Linda129]

Maybe you should consult with a naturopathic doctor for some guidance on natural remedies. The yoga or pilates suggestions are good as they both teach you how breathe. Starting a walking program could also be beneficial.

[RedTop]

My hormonal anxiety is controlled by 10 mg of Provera daily. The medication was prescribed after abnormal bleeding issues associated with perimenopause 10 years ago. When my physician asked about any other issues I might be having, I explained my general anxiety, and the fact I wavered between ready to cry at the blink of an eye, or wanting to double up my fist and deck someone. The hormone replacement in the Provera keeps me leveled out, which is good for me, and everyone around me.

[Serenity-Now]

I will give the link if they let it stay up, but here is a PsyD's answer to the question,

"What is akathisia?"

A subtle and often not properly recognized side effect of antipsychotics is akathisia. Akathisia can be defined as a sense of restlessness: it can be physical and characterized by inability to sit still, constant fidgeting, or pacing. It can also be mental and characterized by marked mental restlessness, agitation, extreme discomfort, and rage outbursts. To the extent that it expresses itself primarily as mental restlessness, it is often mistaken for worsening mania or for a mixed state in bipolar disorder.

One must carefully interview the patient to distinguish these two conditions, and even then it can sometimes be hard to tell. Sometimes if we can't tell, we will use a medication that usually reverses akathisia as a test dose. The reason we need to tell is that the response to worsening hypomania or mixed states is usually an increase in the antipsychotic dose, which is the wrong approach to do if the patient is having akathisia

- per Debra Serani, PsyD

http://www.sharecare.com/health/antipsychotics/what-is-akathisia

(reference akathisia being a side effect of SSRI antidepressants, among other types of medications)

[Serenity-Now]

I will give the link if they let it stay up, but here is a PsyD's answer to the question,

"What is akathisia?"

A subtle and often not properly recognized side effect of antipsychotics is akathisia. Akathisia can be defined as a sense of restlessness: it can be physical and characterized by inability to sit still, constant fidgeting, or pacing. It can also be mental and characterized by marked mental restlessness, agitation, extreme discomfort, and rage outbursts. To the extent that it expresses itself primarily as mental restlessness, it is often mistaken for worsening mania or for a mixed state in bipolar disorder.

One must carefully interview the patient to distinguish these two conditions, and even then it can sometimes be hard to tell. Sometimes if we can't tell, we will use a medication that usually reverses akathisia as a test dose. The reason we need to tell is that the response to worsening hypomania or mixed states is usually an increase in the antipsychotic dose, which is the wrong approach to do if the patient is having akathisia

- per Debra Serani, PsyD

http://www.sharecare.com/health/antipsychotics/what-is-akathisia

(reference akathisia being a side effect of SSRI antidepressants, among other types of medications)

[LilacTree]

On 1/29/2014 Shelbelle said:

I am 61 now, been getting these kinds of symptoms since last 16 years. I take a very small dose of Xanax when needed, and it really helps.

My panic attacks started with menopause also. I was also prescribed a very small dose of Xanax, which I still take (never increased the dose). I haven't had a panic attack since.

I also had a small "library" of books for anxiety and read and re-read them every night until the pages turned yellow. I used a lot of the techniques described in those books, and that pulled me through also.

It is hormonal, I remember having the same feelings during puberty. Some women just don't take hormonal changes very well. My sister and a friend sailed right through it. I didn't.

Frankly, the OP is probably not depressed, but panicky and anxious. I would rather see her on a small dose of anti-anxiety med (Xanax worked wonders for me, but they just don't prescribe it anymore). I'd rather see that low dose med than "evening 1/2 drinks" which have a tendency to calm you temporarily but then increase the anxiety later, which could lead to needing more.

[Tinkerbell3]

First, I would try relaxation methods (I was a therapist) like deep breathing-When really anxious, lie on the floor with a book on your stomach-Breathe slowly and focus on the book going up/down-Try to locate a good guided relaxation CD-Also, I suggest "Don't Panic" by Reid and The Anxiety Workbook-I would not simply take meds! If you feel that you need something, I would recommend Klonopin (.5=baby dose) to start PRN-

Distraction w/ exercise is also helpful- A good brisk walk or Yoga-

Rescue REmedy- Something like that??? At Whole Foods or Amazon- All natural-

REduce alcohol intake and sugar, caffeine-

Anxiety is awful!

[Wackers3]

I agree that anti-depressants do not seem to be warranted in your situation as it is really anxiety and not depression. And getting on and off anti-depressants is a real pain in the "youknowwhat" not to mention all the potential side-effects that come with them.

Since you have these attacks periodically then anything more than periodic assistance to see you through them just doesn't seem justified. I had severe depression about 10 years ago now and had to take a/d but not a single one ever really controlled my depression and many did nothing at all. And boy, did they ever run me through the gamut of a/d's!! Yet they were all loaded with a variety of side-effects(some quite serious) which I'd have to endure until it became apparent that, one more time, yet another anti-depressant wasn't working. Without going into further details, suffice to say, I was put through a lot as my depression was, at times, debilitating.

Once I finally did recover from that dreadful and life altering depression, the periodic anxiety I had suffered from since high school would still emerge from time to time. What my doctors determined was the best option at that point was to prescribe Xanax, as needed, at night only and Lorazepam, as needed, when an anxiety attack hit during the day. They provide the relief I need to get through them without keeping me drugged 24/7. I never take my full dose of Xanax at night as I just don't seem to need it and I find I need Lorazepam maybe 3 days a week at most. And I take half the dose of that.

I have reached the point where I am so anti-prescription medications and vocally resist being prescribed any more than the absolute minimum required for my health issues but instead focus on finding healthier alternatives instead. I just have to be cautious there too as I have had negative side effects from even natural ingredients.

I think all the suggestions you have already received here have been great ones. Food and drink can play such a huge part in our lives as does meditation and exercise.

One other recommendation is possibly trying a NutriBullet machine(shown on infomercials and HSN) and having one of their super healthy all fresh fruit and veggy drinks daily. These are not smoothies as we think of them but pure nutrients from every part of the fruit and vegetable including rinds, seeds and all. The NutrilBullet easily breaks them all down in minutes, leaving you with a super beneficial drink that can really impact the hormones. It even has a recipe specifically for woman's hormones right in the recipe book that is included with the machine. I know some women whose lives have been so improved since adding this to their routine, especially those suffering from unpleasant hormonal side effects, including anxiety.

Good luck ............ and I would certainly ask your Physician if he/she would be willing to try some Lorazepam(or something else) to get you through the worst of the anxiety when it hits. It could really make a difference in your quality of life.

[Wackers3]

Luvmycats is absolutely right about a small dose of Klonopin also being very appropriate. I know at one time my psychiatrist treated my anxiety with that and it helped a lot.

[kabella]

Sorry to hear your feeling overwhemed & having high anxiety. If this has been going on for a long time and you have tryed different ways of calming your mind & body & its not working then I would suggest taking the advice of your Dr. as he knows you & your lifestyle, I assume you confide in him. I do know eventually High anxiety & also being overwhemed with chores etc. can lead to depression so that is why he also rec'd an anti-depressent, so you will not need to take an anxiety med. too often, only when needed. Best Wishes whenever you decide to do & hopefully you will feel better soon