Ending the anxiety
Question
I have been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks for years now and although I've been on Seroxat in the past I did eventually stop taking it. The problem is, when I stopped taking it I was a total mess so started it again and now I feel worse.
I'm not getting any better. I'm depressed a lot and feel like I'm dying all the time. I feel so tired and I've started to suffer horrific headaches and eye pain. I'm so miserable and I can't seem to explain any of this to my doctor.
He thinks I should cut back on the medication but I'm so scared that I'll get worse. I'm scared to go out; I'm even scared to go to sleep in case I don't wake up. Please help.
Answer
It sounds like things have been particularly difficult over the last year. It must be incredibly frustrating, trying to take positive steps forward, only to feel you are not getting better. Fearing you are going to die all the time must be very frightening. It's understandable you're finding it so difficult to explain how you are feeling to your doctor. Please be reassured, you do not have to go through this alone.
Anxiety can be extremely overwhelming and it can affect people in a variety of ways, both physically and mentally. Panic attacks can be very frightening and even following recovery it is perfectly natural to feel shocked, embarrassed or upset.
Has anything happened to trigger these feelings? Or are particular areas of your life affecting your feelings, such as relationships or work? It may be worth trying to think through any issues individually. But sometimes there is no obvious reason for feelings of anxiety, so it's hard to know what is causing it.
Seroxat is an SSRI type of antidepressant, typically prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. As with any medication, some antidepressants can work more effectively for some people than others. But research has suggested that Seroxat can cause some side effects, particularly when trying to reduce the dosage. This is known as 'discontinuation syndrome'. Sleep problems, headaches, depression and a phobia of going out, may be as a result of this. However, it is important to consider other factors which could be contributing to your feeling, such as lifestyle, diet or an underlying physical issue. Your doctor (GP) will be able to assess this with you.
Although you've found it difficult to express how you've been feeling to your GP, it is important he's aware of everything so he can provide treatment to suit your individual needs. It might be helpful to write down how you feel, both physically and mentally, as and when you experience things. Then you could use your notes to remind you and help you explain the situation to your GP. Alternatively, it could help to have a close friend or relative go with you for extra support.
It is important to remember that although antidepressants can be used to treat the symptoms of anxiety they do not necessarily resolve the underlying issues causing the symptoms. Have you tried any talking treatments, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)? Combining medical and talking treatments has been found to be far more effective in terms of helping people work through their issues and figure out ways of handling their anxiety in a confidential, non-judgemental environment. If you have not done so already, and feel talking to someone might be helpful, your GP should be able to refer you on to a suitable service. If you would like to seek this form of support independently you can search for local services through the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
You can find more information, support and advice on the No More Panic website or you can take look at First Steps, they offer further sources of help, including telephone counselling, support groups and a helpline on 0845 120 2916. You may also be relieved to know you are certainly not alone in terms of the experience you have had trying to come off Seroxat. For further information and support, you may like to visit the Seroxat User Group website. Sometimes it can help to discuss your situation with others who share a similar experience.
Talking to friends and family can be difficult in this sort of situation, but if there is someone you trust to confide in, it might help you to make a start on understanding your needs. It can also give them a better insight into your situation, so they can offer you more effective support and understanding. Alternatively, if you're not happy talking to someone you know you can call SANELINE on 0845 767 8000. The helpline is available to anyone experiencing a mental health issue and you can talk through any feelings and worries you have with them.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
Question answered by SANE
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
