The Anxiety Sisters are back with a third episode. This time, the topic is everything you always wanted to know about anxiety medication but were too anxious to ask. Don’t miss this honest and revealing discussion!
Great podcast! I listened to this episode in particular because I am struggling with very persistent general anxiety and occasional panic attacks like you described about feeling like you have the stomach flu. I take Xanax for the panic attacks to calm myself and usually can get myself together enough to carry on with my day. However my anxiety is so high … I worry and overthink constantly. It’s hard to concentrate some days on work or “fun” things because the worry overwhelms my brain. I have tried many SSRI’s and 3 of them resulted in a weight gain I was not comfortable with. In all cases I lost the weight after stopping them. I’m quite short 5’2″ … so my most recent experience I have been on cymbalta (not an SSRI) for 3 months and went from 124lbs to 136 lbs. Size 8 pants to size 12 đ In 3 months!! I can’t handle the weight gain but medication has the ability to calm me and help me enjoy life more! But I hate my fat đ I want to try medication again but the gaining weight and having to lose it again is so hard. I WISH and PRAY there was a med that didn’t cause weight gain or sexual side effects. For now I am stopping cymbalta and trying to lose the weight while using xanax for bad panic attacks, but I would do much rather lower my overall every day anxiety. Anyway, that’s a piece of my long story! I will definitely be listening to more episodes of your podcast. Nice to know I’m not alone in my anxiety đ
Lori,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Sometimes it is hard to know the reach of our podcasts….it is wonderful to know that they have helped! We completely understand about the weight gain side effects (we call them front and center effects). If weight has not been an issue in your life, it sucks to add it (in addition to anxiety). One thing you can try is to get a genetic test to see how your body metabolizes different SSRI’s. We are not affiliated with any company of any kind but I have heard of Gene Sight (and know people that have used them), you can check out the website. It may help to tell you which meds you metabolize the best in terms of efficacy and weight issues….Please check out our website for other soothers (aside from medication). One thing that strikes me is that walking in nature really helps people that are ruminating a lot on different problems…other things that may help are acupuncture, biofeedback….etc. We wish you well, please keep letting us know how you are doing.
Hi there. This is Abs, and I am going to sit with you for a bit while we get this anxiety under control. If it helps, you can close your eyes and hear my voice, or, if youâd prefer, you can read along on your screen.
Before we begin, let me just say that I know how uncomfortable you are right now. Itâs really awful to be taken over by anxiety but, I promise you, I have been there many times, and I am 100% confident that you will get through this episode.  I am going to help you. You are not alone.
First, take a breath in through your nose as deeply as you can; then release it through your mouth with a whooshing sound. This is a calming breathâthe intake of oxygen signals your brain that it needs to send out some âfeel goodâ chemicals. Letâs see if we can get those to kick in.
Take another breath.
Now, this is going to sound weird, but try not to resist the panicâdon’t try to cut it off or stop it in any way. Panic operates in a cycle: the more time you spend trying to stop it, the more intense it gets. You know how they say you have to ride the wave instead of fight it? Well here is your wave…just go with it. You will not drown.
Take another breath.
Next, start talking to yourselfâout loud works best. Tell yourself, âthis too shall passâ or âI am okay.â Keep saying the words over and over again.
Another breath.
Are you still talking? Good. Now try to make yourself more comfortable. Loosen anything constraining you, like a bra or tight jeans or even a hair scrunchie. Naked, if possible, is good.
Breathe.
Okay, last step: cool down. Panic tends to produce heat so grab a cold washcloth or icepack. Splash cold water on your face and neck. Blast the a/c. If it is cool out, you may want to take a walk.
Keep repeating your mantra and stay cool (literally) until your body starts to regulate.
Paula
Great information, and it was very funny.
Lori
Great podcast! I listened to this episode in particular because I am struggling with very persistent general anxiety and occasional panic attacks like you described about feeling like you have the stomach flu. I take Xanax for the panic attacks to calm myself and usually can get myself together enough to carry on with my day. However my anxiety is so high … I worry and overthink constantly. It’s hard to concentrate some days on work or “fun” things because the worry overwhelms my brain. I have tried many SSRI’s and 3 of them resulted in a weight gain I was not comfortable with. In all cases I lost the weight after stopping them. I’m quite short 5’2″ … so my most recent experience I have been on cymbalta (not an SSRI) for 3 months and went from 124lbs to 136 lbs. Size 8 pants to size 12 đ In 3 months!! I can’t handle the weight gain but medication has the ability to calm me and help me enjoy life more! But I hate my fat đ I want to try medication again but the gaining weight and having to lose it again is so hard. I WISH and PRAY there was a med that didn’t cause weight gain or sexual side effects. For now I am stopping cymbalta and trying to lose the weight while using xanax for bad panic attacks, but I would do much rather lower my overall every day anxiety. Anyway, that’s a piece of my long story! I will definitely be listening to more episodes of your podcast. Nice to know I’m not alone in my anxiety đ
Mags
Lori,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Sometimes it is hard to know the reach of our podcasts….it is wonderful to know that they have helped! We completely understand about the weight gain side effects (we call them front and center effects). If weight has not been an issue in your life, it sucks to add it (in addition to anxiety). One thing you can try is to get a genetic test to see how your body metabolizes different SSRI’s. We are not affiliated with any company of any kind but I have heard of Gene Sight (and know people that have used them), you can check out the website. It may help to tell you which meds you metabolize the best in terms of efficacy and weight issues….Please check out our website for other soothers (aside from medication). One thing that strikes me is that walking in nature really helps people that are ruminating a lot on different problems…other things that may help are acupuncture, biofeedback….etc. We wish you well, please keep letting us know how you are doing.