Quixtoxic could you help?

[cjzabel]

I have posted here before, I have had ongoing problems since August of 2006. To make a very long story short, I had several invasive test done, in a very short period of time. Also had a close member of my family die suddenly. About one week after all of this happened I woke up with my calf muscles twitching, this soon spread over my body. I have a 11 year history of Graves disease so my levels were tested first they were high so my medication was lowered. Twitching did not go away, seen a neurologist in October 2006 normal neuro exam, twitching persisted had an EMG November 2006 all normal. Started top have severe insomnia, I did not sleep for two weeks. Every time I would try to fall asleep, I would startle myself awake. I then had what I call a breakdown I was very tired and could not stop crying I thought I was going to die. Doctor tries several drugs on me starting with Buspar, "made me feel very funny" Then Prozac, "felt like I had a book sitting on top of my head" Then finally Lexapro, well at this point I was so tired of being tired I dealt with the horrible side affects and stayed on it. For the most part I feel better but since I started the Lexapro I am having other problems, Floaters in my vision, Buzzing feelings in various parts of my body, ringing in my ears, do you think this is a side effect from the drug or something worse, I can not afford to go back to the neurologist I am a nursing student, and still trying to pay off the previous medical bills.

[cjzabel]

Anxiety has been a little high for the past year, its reassuring to hear that from you. I hope I do not have to stay on these meds forever, they do strange things to your personality. Thank you so much for your input I know you do not feel well it is very courageous to spend your free time helping people on this website there are so many that need it. THANKS Cassandra

[Quixotic1]

It seems that all of your symptoms could easily be explained by chronic anxiety.  With anxiety all the body's sensory input is heightened.  Twitches all over are very common.  So is the insomnia and the hyperactive startle reflex with pounding heart.  All this causes physical, mental and emotional fatigue - explosive episodes of crying are common.  Your thyroid disorder will heighten all of this if the thyroid levels are elevated.  Buzzing, ringing and awareness of floaters are not uncommon, but may also be side effects of meds.  Every new sensation in the body gets focused on, magnified and added to the ones you are already suffering.

The fact that you had a short period of extreme stress and a tragedy, plus are a student in a rigorous career, were a set-up for anxiety.

Most of the early side effects of the meds will dismiss and often completely disappear with time a few weeks to a few months.  If you can hang on, plus add some of the reccommendations for controlling anxiety., I suspect you will come out of it.

Try going over to the patient-to-patient anxiety forum. It's under Mental health. Discuss stuff with them.  They are wonderful in helping to understand the horror that anxiety all by itself can visit on the mind and body.  They also share what has helped them through and what hasn't.

Watch out for stimulants like caffeine, chocolate and some meds.

I wish you the best.  Nursing is a great field.  Quix

[cjzabel]

thank you, I appreciate it very much

[Quixotic1]

I'll try toget some answer for you soon.  Quix

[cjzabel]

I did not mean to miss spell your name