Treating the anxiety

[whatsup]

I've noticed that SS and anxiety seem to go hand in hand.  I currently take 2mg of Xanax to control it but I'd rather get off the benzo's.  From what I've read CNS involvment in SS is often irresversible so does that mean that after treatment with meds such as Planquil the anixeyt will continue?

I am especially interested in those of you who have taken Lyrica or any other med. for anxiety and found it has helped. 

Thanks for the feedback.

[JannaLee]

Hey Whatsup,

I have the anxiety and do not take anything for it.  But I probably should because there are days when it is difficult to get going. 

Please, please post to me about any treatment you find helpful!

Janna

[lynnmarie219]

I take Lexapro and it has helped me more than any other medication that I have tried! I tried to stop it once and I have tried others and I always go back!

[eyeamdry]

I don't think Plaquenil is for anxiety.  I do take it, though.  I also take Lyrica, but not for anxiety.  If you want to know more, PM me, please.  Lucy

[Linda196]

I think in many cases, the anxiety is caused by constant pain, concern of the future and the unknown, lack of sleep, and frustration. While Plaquenil (and any other DMARD, immunosuppressant or pain relief) doesn't treat the anxiety as such, it hopefully helps with one or some of the other issues, and relieving those could possibly lessen the anxiety.

Meanwhile, short term use of antianxiety meds, meditation, relaxation exercises or any other form of calming therapy (wondering what our dear Epson will make of that) should help.

[wednesday mc haggis]

hi there

i agree with linda, i did my reiki courses for anxiety and find meditation and self reiki control it really well.

Also i use back flowers recue remedy which many actors use to help with stage fright, though id caution anyone who has flower sensitivites to read the contents of it first, and run it past their docotor, as its a floral tincture, no side efffects have yet been reported on this, and it really helps, i know my mother who suffers anxiety now swears by it now i bought her some .

T x

[jas1223]

also there seems to be a link with sjs and thiroid problems
and if your thyroid is off that can cause anxiety

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

The only time I suffered from anxiety was when my thyroid was off. I have a reasonably stressful job but I haven't found that anxiety and SjS go hand in hand.

Take care - Scottie 

[kimbo]

Yeah, I always agree with Scottie, because that was my experience also. When I received thyroid medication, my anxieties leveled off.

Except for your standerd classical hormonal woman stuff, that we all have our rights to. 

kimbo

 

[TerriJ]

I had issues with anxiety in the beginning when I was getting too much thyroid hormone and also didn't know what was happening to me.  I still occasionally feel anxious, but not too bad.  Before I had a terrible time sleeping and even eating.

Terri

[Dennis]

May be a dumb question, but do men suffer from thyroid problems?  I can't eat, can't sleep, and have had a couple of spells of what I have to assume were anxiety attacks.  I was crying like a baby uncontrollably, and for someone who prides himself on being macho, quite a humbling experience.

[JannaLee]

Yes, I'm pretty sure you can, Dennis.

I used to know a fellow who had thyroid problems and for some reason had to have his thyroid, "killed."  This was nearly 20 years ago.  I don't remember why but he after it was done he struggled trying to find the right medical balance.  During this time he was VERY EMOTIONAL and hated that he was.

I think it is worth checking if you are noticing the unusually emotional stuff isn't going away.

Best to you,
Janna

[TerriJ]

Dennis,

You should think about telling your doctor or a neurologist (if you're seeing one) about any unusual and/or uncontrollable emotional episodes.

Terri

[Scottietottie]

Hi Dennis 

Men certainly can suffer from thyroid problems. I personally know 2 men dxd with Graves disease and 1 man dxd with Hashimotos. One of the men with Graves had to have his thyroid removed when he was a teenager. He had a real crisis with it which nearly killed him.

I think the ratio of men to women who suffer thyroid disease is about the same ratio as with SjS. 1:9

About.com has a good thyroid forum and good guides thyroid disease too. It could be worth a look.

Take care - Scottie 

[eyeamdry]

Yes, my nephew-in-law had Graves disease as a younger man.  He could eat 17 plates of food at a buffet.  Not really if it was 17, but a lot.  He has this under control now and is a jock with body fat around 4%.  He does not have Sjogrens or anything like it, but did have the thyroid trouble.  He was in his 20's at the time.  Lucy