I have been on Lexapro for about a year and a half, and I have gone from 10 mg to 20 mg, for various reasons including not sleeping, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and so far I have had no problems, and my doctor is really good about upping my dose if needed. I have had no problems at all, and overall I have been very satisfied with the difference it has made in my life, but now that I have moved to a new city for school, I am living by myself, and I have noticed a few monsters creeping their ugly heads out again. I have been having massive panic attacks without warning or being caused by anything, being really "low" and depressed for no reason, having more thoughts about hurting myself and acting on those thoughts (after about a year of being SIV free). I have also had a few issues concentrating, staying focused and finishing things. I want a few ideas of different drugs I could suggest to my doctor, and I’d like to know what the medicines do and how they effect you (pros and cons, please).
I had an MRI test done about 2.5 yrs ago. I was laying down while the pounding took place. I was fine for 2-3 hours of tests until about the last 15 minutes. I felt that the blanket on me was going to "catch fire". I could tell that my mind was beginning to hallucinate, and my practical logical side of my brain went out the door. The technician stepped out for a break, and I could not get anyone’s attention. I panicked and began yelling her name and saying to get me out.
She finally returned, and I thought I survived without any wear.
Then, about 6 months ago, I went to a wax museum, and had to push my hubby (he’s in a wheelchair), and 1/2 of the display was fine, well lit and wide aisles. But the 2nd section was dark (it highlighted monsters), and was narrow, had to go through doors over & over, and the corners….oh man! I had to literally pick up the wheelchair and bit by bit turn the chair to go around the tight corners (that’s quite a feat, since I weigh 100# less than my hubby).
So, then I was trying to hurry it up, and it seemed to wind more & more and more & more doors and noises and I began to get panicky.
So, that is incident #1
Incident #2 happened about 2 wks ago. My hubby tries to save money on our utilities, so he doesn’t have the ac on, but does run the overhead fan. The temp in the apt can average 84-87 degrees. It isn’t bad if you get down to your skivvys. In any case, I was sitting there, watching TV and I suddenly felt that I was suffocating. I got up and felt like I had to run out of the apartment, but was able to settle myself back down. I literally felt that I was going to pass out & die right there.
Now, I have no history of panic attacks before these 2. Do you suppose that they are related to that MRI examination? Have you had something similar happen to you or someone you know? Would sailors in submarines have sensations like I had?
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