[Lola5]

I've written here before about my problems with anxiety/panic. I'm now on .25 Klonipin 3x a day for it, but no luck yet.

My issue noe is that I've realized that almost everything is a trigger for me and makes my panic/anxiety even worse. By that, I mean that I start feeling like I'm hyperventilating and I double over because the anxiety hits so hard. I start gagging and have to fight (sometimes unsuccessfully) to keep from vomiting.

Before, I would get triggered like this by more normal things: other people's engagements, weddings, babies, career achievements, etc. I'm in my 30s so this is a big stressor for me. Now on top of this, random things trigger me. I see a random car on the road or look at some menu item at the deli or I notice a jacket someone is wearing or something stupid like that and BAM difficulty breathing and this feeling like I'm going to crumble to the ground with how strong the anxiety is.

It happens 10, 20, 30 times a day and I'm at the point where I don't know where to look or what radio station to listen to or television channel it is safe to watch. Has anyone had this type of experience before?

[LucyG]

I hate to tell you this, but I think a lot of your problem could be the klonopin. I had very serious problems with klonopin and other meds, and my sister was told by a neurologist that psych meds cause anxiety. I just googled 'does klonopin make anxiety wose?' and found a bunch of forums with that question by people who had panic attacks and worse anxiety when taking it.

You might give some thought to taking amino acids or other herbs that control anxiety.

My philosophy on anxiety, mood disorders and the like is that those of us who suffer from this aren't able to produce adequate neurotransmitters to keep our mood stable and our anxiety at bay. I compare it to a diabetic needing insulin. When you give your brain what it needs to function, your anxiety subsides.

Besides amino acids and herbs, you could be deficient in magnesium that would also manifest as increased anxiety. You want to take a highly absorbable form of magnesium such as magnesium chloride, citrate, malate or other chelated form. Whatever you do, DON'T take the cheap OTC magnesium oxide that isn't absorbed and does nothing but give you raging diarrhea. You need to take calcium and vitamins D3 and K with the magnesium as the four nutrients work together.

Here are some articles including a brain function questionnaire showing the emotions and feelings related to each neurotransmitter and the related amino acid:

Natural Alternatives To Xanax, Ativan, And Anti-Anxiety Drugs - Reset.me

Amino Acid Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

http://drjolee.com/Brain-Function-Questionnaire.pdf

[*Laurie*]

Hi Lola, Yes, I have felt just the way you've described you feel. Medication prescribed by a caring pdoc has helped me immensely. Are you in the care of a mental health professional?

[handheart]

Hy try also other meds combination and see what hapens ,sometimes chnaging meds was better for me