posted
i can relate to anxiety/not feeling right in myself/rage, etc....even without treatment. Only thing that helps my anxiousness is a low dose of xanax and trying relaxing self talk too.
I dont recommend taking xanax around the clock as its very habit forming.
In cases where u need something before you jump out of your own skin...this is what has helped me.
Good luck, its very tough.
Posts: 160 | From california | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
collegegirl...your not herxing. Your reacting to the exitotoxic substances in the meds. Mainly 'free glutamate'. This would be in the capsules & in the meds itself in the form of binders, fillers, etc. This would give you anxiety.
Your ATP process is most likely out of wack. You very could have a msg sensitivity. LD reuptakes your glutamate levels.
I suggest stopping the meds & take some glutamate blockers but not in med form.
-------------------- Pat Sr Posts: 63 | From Toms River,NJ | Registered: Oct 2006
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
CG 21,
I experienced something that sounds very, very similar around my fifth/sixth day of the Mepron/Zith combo.
That was the worse day, then it lessened. Now it flares up every couple weeks but not as severe as that first time.
I had Xanax on hand as well.
Always check with your LLMD, though, just to be sure. In my case, I think it was die off of Babs causing toxicity. For others, it could be the meds themselves. Everyone is different.
posted
sorry to read about what is happening to you!
i'm NOT on your meds but here is what is helping me:
zoloft - for my mood swings/depression
xanax generic for my panic attackes; take only when needed.
if i forget zoloft, i know it immediately; my temper acts up! best wishes to you on getting this under control.
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Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038
posted
The biggest thing to remember is that this is not YOU and this will pass - You just have to find the strength to get through this, for the moment.
I am going through exactly the same from a really bad Herx on bicillin, I was very happy mentally I started Bicillin and walloppppppppp - I have been herxing so bad now for 8 weeks and the anxiety is through the roof, I honestly feel I am going nuts. I have to resort to valium at really bad times and many many mind games of relising it is drug/die off induced - sadly we need to go through it to get through it, with a little help from those around us and some meds that will calm your CNS/Herx.
Speak with your LLMD and remember you were not like this before these meds and you will not be stay like it - It will improve.
Hugs Rianna
Posts: 1172 | From UK | Registered: Jan 2007
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
This happened to my 20 year old son when he was home on break and he started mepron/zith.
My hubby and I found him frantically going through the house late at night. He could not sleep, had a racing heart, and was anxious about an intruder getting in the house.
His llmd had him lower his dosage for a few days and then somehow he was able to tolerate it without the side effects.
Indeed talk to your llmd for reassurance; it is frightening not to be in control of your self.
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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klutzo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5701
posted
I agree with the poster who said to ask your LLMD if you can reduce your dosages a bit. Too much die-off, too fast can cause organ damage.
I am one of those who has to take Xanax around the clock for Lyme rage. It was causing serious heart problems for me, so I had no choice.
I find that totally avoiding people I don't like, and that includes relatives, has really helped. I now have nothing to do with my husband's family, but I don't care, because I have to take care of myself first. I was very close to stroking out, my rage was so bad.
Avoiding overscheduling where I am under time pressure has helped too. Being hurried was a major rage trigger for me. Try to notice what your triggers are, and avoid them like the plague.
Another trigger for my rage is hypoglycemia. Eating a little snack with both protein and carbs every 3-4 hours really helps.
If all else fails, use up that extra adrenaline in a physical way, so you won't take it out on others in a verbal way. I go outside and throw a baseball against the wall of the house repeatedly until I am exhausted. I cuss under my breath with each throw and let it all out.
I had ZERO temper before Lyme. My husband does not like conflict, and this has put a real strain on my once perfect marriage. You have my empathy and my prayers.
Klutzo
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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robi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5547
posted
You have gotten lots of great advice above. I just want to add some non-med suggestions.
Please know that I have been where you are and have wanted to slap folks that suggested what I am about to suggest. I thought "if only you knew what I was going through, you would not suggest that." Even though I felt like I could not do any of the below most of the time, I did look for opportunities when I could. The times were short but I did what I could. It helped.
Reiki helped me a lot. Find a good practitioner. Some are willing to cut their rate for a chronically ill person.
Acupuncture. By far the most effective treatment for my pain and anxiety. I would take out a loan to pay for this...........it helped that much. I go almost weekly.Same applies for the sliding scale fee.
If you can, exercise and / or yoga. Dr. B says you must exercise to get well. Read his guidelines. It may not be time for this yet. I did it whenever I could even if that meant 1 or 2 days a month. Anything is better than nothing.
Listen to music you love (advice Gigi gave me.....gotta love that woman!)
Also, try some relaxation CD's. Two of my favorites are Nada Himalaya by Deuter, and Secret of the Panpipes by Midori.
Meditation helps many ........... I was not able at the time, but do now. If I could have then I think it would have helped.
I did not take any anti-depressants,but I am not saying that's bad. I just did not do it.... despite my doc and partner strongly advocating for the temporary use of some pharmaceutical.
Use all the support you have.........lymenet, local friends, relatives, church,etc.
-------------------- Now, since I put reality on the back burner, my days are jam-packed and fun-filled. ..........lily tomlin as 'trudy' Posts: 2503 | From here | Registered: Apr 2004
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
I really empathize with you, and I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time. I had a similar experience, and would freak out (which bothered me tremendously, as I'm the "deal with it" type).
I also had horrible thoughts - just horrible.
I think the advice closest to what I've been doing is what the person said about remembering it not being YOU. I think one of the best life skills I learnt from meditation, is the become an observer of the thoughts, and not to entertain the ones that are not constructive. You can cull your thoughts.
I am not suggesting that this is anything like a cure for this problem, because I was murder difficult for me, but at least when the thoughts arose, I would say to them, "I reject you". This helped about 20% - and you know, 20% was a good thing.
I am currently off Mepron and still have anxiety problems, but I am learning what my triggers are. For instance, I have figured out that I "freak out" when I have to do / am asked to perform / think of a task that requires 2 or more steps at the same time. Basically, I cannot walk and chew gum at the same time, and when you ask me to do any equivalent, I have anxiety - like you're asking me to jump off a cliff.
Once I've identified that, I can say to whoever I'm interacting with: please respect the fact that if you want me to participate in xyz "engagement" with you (conversation, fixing your computer, getting in and out of the car with the responsibility of the dog), I have to break everything down to one at a time tasks. Finding something in a mess is out of the question, and a huge anxiety trigger.
The awful thoughts do come up occasionally, but more infrequently. I think it's a combo of being off the Mepron - but I also think it may be due to my mindfully (ah-ha! caught you!) and then as consistently as I could "rejecting" those thoughts as they arose / arise. I would also cultivate the positive thoughts when I could.
With best wishes for us all to be free from mental suffering,
canbravelyme.
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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I totally agree on the above post on acupuncture. When one is experiencing anxiety this is actually the best time to go. Please see my post, you will find it quite amazing.
-------------------- Pat Sr Posts: 63 | From Toms River,NJ | Registered: Oct 2006
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Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Hi collegegirl21,
I don't know if you are herxing, having a reaction to meds or what. Wish I could be more helpful, but I am not a doctor, just a lyme patient, so I can only share my own experience.
When I was treated for Babesia, I had a lot psychological stuff going on, rages, anxiety attacks, bad depression and emotional stuff; anything would make me upset cry.
I did have these symptom before being treated for Babesia, especially very high anxiety.
The only way I got through it, was I knew it would pass, green tea helped some. I hope you call your LLMD and find out exactly what is going and this passes for you soon.
Hang in there. Posts: 6639 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
I have had serious bouts of anxiety. Taking good care of self is the best remedy. Hot baths, meditation and music all work. A good support network is crucial. For me, not scheduling ANYTHING was the biggest help.
L-Theanine is an amino acid which is very soothing - my LLMD recommends it and I use when I need it. Up to 400-500mg.s a day. It calms me right down.
"Illnesses, hover constantly above us, their seed blown by the winds, but they do not set in the terrain unless the terrain is ready to receive them."---Claude Bernard. Posts: 131 | From US | Registered: Dec 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
great non-medical advise given above that i use also:
avoid NEGATIVE family/friends; you don't need it!
good music, tapes, relaxation tapes,
do what YOU chose to; not what others want you to do!
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
I needed xanax and zoloft for the anxiety and panic! Ask your LLMD for them! Also, why is your zithromax dose so low? It's usually higher. Are you on artemesia along with the mepron and zithromax?
the mepron dose may have to be increased over time along with the zithromax...I see you are just starting out. Herxes can be very strong in the beginning. Valium might not be strong enough for you. Extra magnesium is essential to help calm the nervous system too.
Ask about xanax and zoloft or something similar to take long term to help you through treatment. Remember that anti-depressants can cause an increase in anxiety in the beginning for several weeks until your brain gets used to the dosing. During that time, the xanax will help balance out the anxiety, and you will have a much easier time dealing with the treatment for Lyme and babesia, plus the herxes. Hot epsom salt baths may help you too. Good luck!
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posted
Thank you all for the information and support. It really helped me at a time when I was feeling like there was nothing I can do. I talked to my LLMD and he said that he wasn't comfortable prescribing me xanax at this time and just to increase my dosage of the lorazepam, so I guess I'll see how that goes. I am a lot better today, so hopefully it will continue to subside. Thanks again everyone!
Posts: 9 | From California | Registered: Nov 2006
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L-theanine, Stress X by Biogenesis, I use for the panic and anxiety. Great help. I also got a Neuroscience test done of all of my neurotransmitters.
Seratonin, Dopamine, norepinepherine, and epinepherine were all off, Seratonin, way off. Maybe this might give you some idea if there are some things off that you can address.
The book Mood Cure, has great stuff on working with panic, anxiety, and depression through the use of amino acids, GABA, etc.
Posts: 104 | From connecticut | Registered: Jan 2007
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
my present regime for rage, bipolar and depression.
zoloft 50mg am trazadone pm trileptal one am one pm clonazapam 2mg pm
my psych problems went from ADD to rage to bipolar disorder, paranoia, and depression.
actually have had lyme depression prior to its diagnosis in 2000. should try to see lyme lit psych to control psych problems
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Hi again,
I'm glad you talked with your doctor. Listen to your LLMD! Only you and your LLMD can decide what dosages/meds are best for you. We are all different. I could never tolerate high dosages, but I have been sick my whole life.
The herb Rhodiola is for Anxiety, my LLMD told me about it. It's over the counter and it really does help. I didn't have it when I when through the majority of my Babesia herxes, but I take it now. Ask your doctor about it.
I agree with Betty, great non-medical advise above.
I hope you feel better soon, hang in there. Posts: 6639 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
I am on celexa for depression and resperadil for anxiety. My anxiety attacks are worse in the morning so I try to get out of bed asap instead of laying there and allowing the attack from progressing. Hope that you can find a regiment of care that will alleviate your symptoms.
Posts: 719 | From Delaware | Registered: Jan 2006
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