I'm having terrible anxiety. I'm sure some of it is because this disease has me all stressed out, but i also think it may be bart (also have foot pain etc.) My doc prescribed a low dose benzo. i haven't taken it yet. I'm freaked out about taking benzos, period. But, I am starting to think that all this anxiety is making it harder for me to heal. Also, i can't tell whether some of my symtoms are anxiety versus real caused by the infections.
Anyone btdt?? Advice? Thoughts? I'm going nuts.
Posted by debilyn (Member # 35753) on :
From my experience, I have to take the benzo to be able to function.
Otherwise I am caught in a horrible anxiety spin where I can't stop crying and have some seriously unhealthy thoughts.
I realize I may pay for my decision later by becoming dependent on the benzos, but I will deal with weaning
off when Bart is gone, and the anxiety isn't off the charts. I think we have to decide as individuals what works for us.
This is just my experience so far any way. I hope you feel better soon. The anxiety is miserable.
Posted by Jessiep (Member # 35399) on :
Honestly, I'm not even 100% sure what is anxiety and what are sx i know I am anxious as every little tweak or buzz puts me over the edge and i start thinking about what will happen if i pass out, or have a heart attack or need a wheel chair. none of these things have ever ever happened before yet i can't stop thinking they will i've also read on a few posts that mepron can cause anxiety and i've been on mep/zith for almost 3 months now. so maybe it's that. Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
My husband has been using Relora for anxiety. That helped more than L Theanine did.
At one point he was on an anti anxiety med also. He did have to wean off of it. Its two years now since he's off.
Posted by Spindleshanks (Member # 32556) on :
I also have to take something for anxiety. I have tried natural stuff but nothing worked like a small dose of xanax.
I never had abnormal anxiety until two years ago when I took my first dose of A bart. I almost made my husband come home from work.
Sometimes we need to use things to make it through treatment. My md said it is really common during treatment.
Mepron did that to me also. I hope you feel better.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Toxicity is the root of much anxiety that comes with lyme & coinfections as well as the adrenal dysfunction. In addition to clear action against infection(s), heavy metals, parasites . . .
be sure your magnesium and taurine are enough . . .
. . . key omega oils, adrenal support and liver support are essential. I would start with OmegaBrite & also with HOLY BASIL (Tulsi).
Also be sure all food additives are totally avoided.
- You may be deficient in certain B vitamins, magnesium or other nutrients. Be sure to consider this.
AVOID ALL FLUORESCENT LIGHTS - this really matters for anyone with any kind of nerve irritation. -
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
I would be very reticent to take a Benzo as well. They are highly addictive because they don't work as well after a couple of months and the compulsion is to increase the dose.
Anxiety is a key symptom of neurological Lyme. Are you treating with a reputable LLMD?
Have you tried taking magnesium? This can be an important mineral for calming jittery nerves,and apparently Lyme victims tend to be deficient. It's a cheap supplement and is often given to those suffering from drug withdrawal.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
My first thought was MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY, as I experienced similar problems. Have you had your red blood cell levels tested? LabCorp runs this test. This test is different than the regular blood serum level test that is usually run.
If you are really deficient, taking oral magnesium will not restore your levels. Your body simply can't absorb enough. I had to get several Magnesium Chloride IVs (which is not a big deal, 20 minutes, tiny needle. And then start weekly Intra muscular shots).
Posted by Larae30 (Member # 35220) on :
I have tried all sorts of naturals for my uncontrollable anxiety. It started when I started treating lyme in January.
I have had everything tested and am not deficient in vitamins and I take magnesium, fish oil, all that jazz. I also take lithium orotate and not sure it helps at all... I've tried many other things that I have phased out over the months because I noticed NO differences.
I decided that I have to take small amts of xanax to get through. It is temporary. I will get through this and slowly taper off once I am feeling better. I am hoping the anxiety will die down as treatment progresses, it is debilitating.
Posted by derk diggler (Member # 31903) on :
1 mg xanax, i take a half every couple days and it helps so much, dont worry about getting addicted just take care of the anxiety right now, god what a relief to be able to take something that helps this horrible phsychotic anxiety, just try it youll thank me later for encouraging you, good luck
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Have done a Magnesium IV specifically?
I was literally transformed by one. 20 minutes and I was normal again. Taking oral magnesium is not enough.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
I have a severe case of Bart and Ativan (benzo) has been an absolute life-saver.
It helps me sleep (I also take half pill gabapentin @ bedtime)
I'd get zero sleep and rest without ativan.
Dr J says detoxes neuro-toxins. That's been my experience as well. I'll get severe neuro herxes and ativan will relieve it.
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i know I am anxious as every little tweak or buzz puts me over the edge and i start thinking about what will happen if i pass out, or have a heart attack or need a wheel chair. none of these things have ever ever happened before yet i can't stop thinking they will