I am going through a bad period of anxiety. Called my psych on Fri twice, and again today. Please read further

Question

I am on Topamax for bipolar & mood swings. It was doing great when I first started. That was a month ago. I started at 25MG & went up to 50MG after 2 weeks. I’m still at 50MG. He wants me to stay at this level due to the “tingling sensation” I feel.
However, the last week & half I have been having the feelings of anxiety again…I can’t talk on the phone, I don’t want to be around people, I am crying at anything, I’m isolating myself from my friends, and even my children. I do not want to feel like this…especially not after knowing how normal I can feel for once in my life.
I called him twice on Friday, my psychiatrist, and once again today. I have left 2 detailed messages about my symptoms. I have not heard back from him. I feel like I’m going to go crazy. Please can anyone give me some advice? It’s hard enough to call & leave a voice mail, let alone try to wait this out.

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my meds i hated the way i felt it was like at any moment i could have just snapped! Please keep in mind this is only temporary and you will feel better!! Thats what got me throught feeling like that thats extremley unprofessional on his part!! He is responsible for the meds he has prescribed you and should call you back that same day when you leave messages. I am concerned for you if you feel it is bad enough you should go to the emergeny room. It sounds like at this point of life is extremly overwhelming it might just be a side effect from your meds. I took 300 mg of wellbutrin then went down to 150 and got psychiotic side effects..

Answer 2

O.k, take some deep breaths...

I am not bipolar, but I lived with a guy for 6 years who is.

His anxiety level would "sky rocket" at times: Or he would sleep for days. Many other things too, you would know, so I won't go into it.

When he felt like you do right now he would go by himself, outside and walk, work around the yard, do anything physically to basically tire himself out to such an extent that he didn't feel anxious at that point.

Hey, you got on the computer and told a whole bunch of people, that's good!!

Tingling sensation: I have heard that before, I believe that is a good thing, my ex boyfriend used to get that when they upped his dosage. It's apparently the pills working on the depression that can set in.

It takes a while for the new dosage to "kick" in, so just try to hang in there and try to do something that will make you tired out.

There should be lots of people who will answer your question and they will probably know more than me, so stay on the computer, read the other questions, and wait for more answers on yours.

Take care...

Answer 3

Try doing a little aerobic exercise in the meantime, you'll get an endorphin rush and feel a lot better. Keep a journal and write down what you think triggered the anxiety attack (I understand sometimes they come out of nowhere), what you were thinking at the time. Sometimes putting it in writing helps clarify things more than you could imagine. Then you need to ask yourself what you can do NOW to make yourself feel better... then do it. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that all this will pass. It does. Things DO get better. Isolating yourself from friends and family is only going to intensify the anxiety and have negative effects on them as well. Call a good friend who understands and have a chat.

Answer 4

First, recognize that what you are experiencing is either a symptom of your illness or an effect of medication. In either case, it is a temporary feeling and it will pass!!! You're pdoc also will get back to you. It's tough, but try to be patient.

You might also try looking up your meds at this site http://www.crazymeds.org/

Don't let the name scare you off. Info on the meds that I know about is solid, and you'll probably find better advice about how your medication is effecting you there.

Best I can tell, the site is run by a bi-polar guy, and there is lots of info on what others experience on various meds. They have a q&a board, but keep in mind that the site is all about how drugs work and often effect people. It does, however, have a link page to some discussion boards.

Hold on. It will get better.

Answer 5

If you feel you are at a breaking point, and you still cannot reach your doctor, you may want to consider visiting an emergency room. They are not just for injuries, what you are experiencing is just as much an emergency. Have a friend/spouse go with you if possible.

Also there may be other sources for emergency care. Check in your local phone book and or call your county/state health department. There are resources out there.

Answer 6

I was in petco the other day and all of their "tanks" designed just for bettas are completely wrong. They sell these tiny "betta bowls" and these designer tanks that don't even have a lid. They also have this thing where you can make it all pretty with rocks and lights and in the end you would just stress your betta out and kill it. No wonder people are so stupid. When they see these betta products they're going to think "oh, this was made for a betta, it must be the best thing" but its not. It sickens me to think of the countless bettas that jump from their designer tanks and die or are left in tiny little bowls. People, for the most part, buy bettas because they're pretty. however unhappy, sad, cold bettas are not pretty. If a betta is in a large warm tank his colors will be a thousand times prettier and he will be much more active and entertaining to watch.

Answer 7

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 8

I know how you feel , been there. Try and see if you can meditate or count your breathing. Anything that will help you calm down. Visualize scenic calm quiet places. Do not drink anything with cafeine or anything with too much sugar. Try to avoid too much carbohydrates, they all contribute to anxiety. Drs do not like to bothered much, have you noticed, same thing happened to my son a few weeks ago. My good thoughts are with you.

Answer 9

ok, i have anxiety too and my advice to you is to sit down, take some deep breaths and be aware of your symptoms. Tell yourself "It is okay to feel this way. It's okay to feel anxious" If you want, write about how you feel now, your panicky feelings. Then write about how normal should feel. eg. I feel like I'm going to die...these racing thoughts never stop...then write I'm not going to die, this feeling is going to pass very soon. The objective of this is sort of like self advice. Try and distract youself as well. I hope you feel better soon, I'm also going through a rough patch and I hope to get out of it soon.

Answer 10

tYou need another doctor. If you are having too much difficulty waiting you can 1.call another dr. and tell them it is an emergency. 2. Go in to the nearest hospital and tell them you need help. You are afraid you may hurt yourself. DON'T self medicate. God bless.