Incredibly Anxious

[EvenStrongerNow]

I took my last dose of risperdal Tuesday night. Feeling a lot of anxiety especially last night and this morning. Just need some support. I already took a couple of walks around the block. Is this expected even though I tapered down?

The hospital gave me ativan 1mg a couple weeks ago, 20 of them to take as needed. I just took a half and I have a half left and that's it. I think I'm starting to experience some rebound anxiety but I'm unsure because I'm still in risperdal withdrawal. I just want this to be over. The next few days are going to be really rough. I don't know if I can do class four nights next week :(

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Please call your doctor and tell them what is going on with you, this is not right for you to be going through this experience.

 

[Justmehere]

It could be rebound from the risperdol or Ativan, or if I remember right, I think you had an endocrine problem as well that could be playing a role. It could also be that the underlying PTSD is coming out too. I agree that it is worth a phone call to a doc. (I remember your old psychiatrist that put you on the risperdol was terrible! Maybe call another doc?)

Anxiety is awful to go through, no matter the cause. One thing that helps me is to remind myself that my body and brain feel really anxious, but it doesn't mean I'm in danger, it's like getting through a cold or flu - a bunch of horrible sensations and thoughts to endure. Anxiety is out nervous systems just revving up for fight or flight. Somehow, reminding myself of this can help a little.

Doing 4 square breathing helps me too. Take a deep breath in for 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, and breathe out 4 seconds - repeat 4 times. This technique has been proven to send a signal to the brain to slow the body down and that all is safe. I did it a lot last week when I had some really intense and long lasting anxiety. It helped me get through it.

Things to ground help too. Holding ice or a frogmen water bottle can help me be less anxious because it grounds my body. I dunno why it works, but when I was in an inpatient speciality trauma treatment facility, the staff gave people ice packs all the time to help ground while in panic attacks or very anxious states.

Hang in there! Hugs to you if you accept them!

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I went to the urgent care today. The doctor gave me 22 tablets of 1mg of clonzepam. She said I am to take 1/2mg twice per day for a week, then 1/2mg once per day for a week, then 1/2 as needed. She said it will take a couple more weeks for the risperdal withdrawal to be over. She said I will not face any withdrawal from the anxiety med. Phew. I really white knuckled last night running out of the ativan. The pharmacist agreed.

 

[Britt.f7]

Sorry to hear you are going through this. Sounds like a good plan you have now. Risperdal didn't do that to me, but I hadn't taken it that long, maybe, to have an effect. I hope this works for you now. Anxiety is horrible.