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Lyme Disease ForumsGeneral & SupportAnti-Anxiety Medication and Lyme
11/23/2009 01:50 PM
zenducation
zenducation
 
Posts: 193
Member

Hello everyone,

As for a little backstory about my current situation... I'm a 20 year old male who was diagnosed with Lyme three months ago, was treated with Doxycycline for three weeks and have had sporadic symptoms (that have been worsening in the past month). The worst of these symtoms are detachment from the right side of my body, depersonalization, and anxiety and panic attacks.

I am not currently seeing a Lyme Literate Doctor but am waiting for an appointment that is not until January. I'm undergoing some other tests soon to role out neurological problems unrelated to Lyme, but I'm pretty convinced now that I have Lyme or coinfections.

My question now is, until I see a LLMD, is it safe to go on an anti-anxiety medication to reduce my anxiety and number of panic attacks? If anyone has taken any with Lyme, what has worked best?

"Practice smiling." - Thich Nhat Hanh
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11/23/2009 02:00 PM  Top
jnsuss
jnsuss
 
Posts: 92
Member

Yes, my LLMD just put me back on Zoloft, much to my chagrin. I had weaned off of it at the same time I got the lyme (which is why I didn't know I had lyme - I thought it was SSRI withdrawal). My LLMD says it can help your stomach feel better and ease your lyme-related anxiety.

11/23/2009 05:14 PM  Top
toothfairy55
toothfairy55
 
Posts: 3856
Senior Member

I myself cant take this class of drugs, I have far too many adverse reactions to them. I do however take xanax when needed. My LLMD has given both my kids anti deppressants. It helps.

It does sound like you have Bartonella. Pretty classic symptoms

Carol

I am NOT a doctor, anything I share is based on my experience & research. I encourage you to discuss any and all information that I share with a health care provider.

11/23/2009 05:35 PM  Top
MamboMick
MamboMickPosts: 266
Member

My LLMD insisted that I see a psychiatrist, in addition to my Lyme treatment, in order to "stabilize" me during the treatment. I very reluctantly went to the Psych Dr, who put me on Zoloft, and wants to put me on more Psych drugs. But I am going to take myself off of all the Psych drugs. Since my Lyme symptoms are 99% psychiatric, then if the Psych meds help, then they could just be masking the symptoms, and then I would not know if I am getting better.

And I NEED to know if I'm getting better, because I'm not going to keep dishing out thousands of dollars to an LLMD whose methods aren't working. Rather, I'll go another treatment route, and not have the possibility of the Psych meds hiding the fact that the antibiotics are not working.

But if you have substantial physical symptoms, then my approach probably would not work for you.


11/23/2009 05:39 PM  Top
jnsuss
jnsuss
 
Posts: 92
Member

One interesting thing that my LLMD told me is that 95% of the body's seratonin receptors are located in the stomach. That makes sense to me, since I carry most of my stress in my stomach. I think it is interesting to note that disease-related anxiety can manifest itself in physical symptoms.

I've taken Zoloft, which works well for me - no real adverse effects, except I get tired from it. I also took Paxil, which made me feel lousy.


11/23/2009 05:46 PM  Top
KatiB
KatiB
 
Posts: 85
Member

I take lexapro and must say it workds very well for me
~KatiB~

11/23/2009 05:51 PM  Top
waxby
waxbyPosts: 4110
VIP Member

I was so wacked out years ago(hey, no comments from the peaNUT gallery) that if I took a pill I'd'a sent IT over the edge.

Post edited by: waxby, at: 11/23/2009 05:52 PM

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11/23/2009 06:28 PM  Top
toothfairy55
toothfairy55
 
Posts: 3856
Senior Member

I hear what your saying Mambo. My daughter is mostly Psych symptoms too but I wouldnt want her to go off just yet as she does much better on them.
Carol

I am NOT a doctor, anything I share is based on my experience & research. I encourage you to discuss any and all information that I share with a health care provider.

11/23/2009 07:16 PM  Top
cmany
cmany
 
Posts: 6197
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate

I have been on quite a few anti-depressents...

Zoloft did work well...

When I was on Lexapro - more for anxiety - I was able to get myself in control - deal with the depression on my own...and after coming off - I was able to continue this - and now have NO depression issues - and have come up with ways to control the anxiety...

No more need for those types of drugs...yea!!!

[b]Group Leader Disclaimer[/b]
First and foremost - I am NOT a doctor, anything I share is based on experience & research. I strongly encourage you to discuss any and all information that I share with a health care provider.
************************
"I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road...
And I just can't keep living this way
So starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage
I'm standing up, Imma face my demons
I'm manning up, Imma hold my ground
I've had enough, now I'm so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now" Eminem Not Afraid

11/23/2009 10:09 PM  Top
jo101
jo101
 
Posts: 44
Member

Zoloft very hard to get off,,,, even if I get off very slow, withdraw is very tuff for me.
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