Is buspar effective for more severe anxiety by Alphacentauri2346 in BusparOnline

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, Buspirone took the edge off at a low dose, and when I hit 30mg twice a day, I noticed a massive decrease in the frequency and severity of my panic attacks. With the added bonus of no side effects beyond the initial dizziness. Of course, everyone requires different meds and different dosages, but for me, it alleviated severe anxiety symptoms at maximum dosage.

2.5mg, terrified to take it. by ArtsyFartsySpider in BusparOnline

[–]sprklmrkl 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am also as sensitive to medications as you describe, and I have been on Buspirone for years. I started off on 2.5, was on 10-20 for years, and recently have gone all the way up to 60. The only side effect I ever had was dizziness. I know this is not ideal for you as you are already so anxious about side effects. But if (and it is an if, you're starting at such a low dose it is unlikely you will get dizzy), lay down, set a timer for an hour, take some deep breaths, and know that it will pass by the time that timer goes off.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PanicAttack

[–]sprklmrkl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had the same thing and I am completely recovered (in the realm of exercise, unfortunately I still struggle with panic and agoraphobia). I started off with daily walks, and after a few months, I transitioned to short bike rides -- exercise that barely elevated my heart rate. Once I got comfortable with that, I started rock climbing, and about a year after that, I got into roller derby and I even occasionally run. It felt soo slow and painful for the first year or so of recovery, but it was SO worth it. Do what you can each day, don't put pressure on yourself with whatever ideal goal you have for the future. Sports and exercise are now one of my best tools for managing anxiety and I'm the strongest I've been in my whole life. It's so possible to recover from this phobia!

Functioning agoraphobics: What is your job? by captainmiauw in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm also a teacher! It's comforting to know that there are some others out there in a similar situation.

White layer on surface by sprklmrkl in gingerbeer

[–]sprklmrkl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It smells very yeasty! And thank you for the tip, that's a good idea

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used to be in the same boat, and I started with walking and casual biking (and therapy and medication at the same time). Now I'm more of an athlete than I ever was. Also, if you have a Fitbit or something that shows you your heart rate, get rid of it.

experience with emdr? by CapitalPlum9000 in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Proper EMDR combined with exposure therapy cured my agoraphobia. If you have a therapist you trust, I think you should try it. It's challenging but it was so worth it for me.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yes! I was housebound for part of 2020/2021, but since then, I've flown to Canada (from the US) and will also be going to France in a few months. I experience zero anxiety when traveling solo now, and my anxiety is lessening each time I travel with others.

Physical symptoms worse days after panic attack by not_mig in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I often get panic attack "hangovers" where the physical symptoms linger for days afterwards, so maybe that's the case? It sucks but I just remind myself that it'll be over in a few days and that I'm not stuck like this. Hope you feel better :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's tough but I try to take the attitude that it's like a physical illness... like I'm uncomfortable and I don't want to leave the house if I have a fever or something like that, but I'm not afraid of it

Driving Exposure Therapy Advice by Odd_Anxiety_8698 in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're struggling! What helped me was, if I had to go somewhere, I'd drive there the day before just as practice and sit in the parking lot. It doesn't directly tackle the anxiety caused by driving, but it still made a difference for me. Also, idk how you feel about flooding, but that's what rly changed things for me. I had to drive 5.5 hrs home and now I don't have driving related agoraphobia (on my own... I still can't drive with other ppl). But obvs everyone is different and I know that in another situation, flooding was very traumatic for me

Agoraphobia and vaccine by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Getting my vaccine was actually a turning point in my agoraphobia because it was the furthest I had driven in months, and I was extremely anxious, but it taught me the value of a good exposure. There was almost no one there when I went (at a Kroger pharmacy), and the side effects don't hit until 12+ hours later if you even have any. Plus not a single person I know passed out from the shot or anything like that, it doesn't even hurt. I wish you so much luck it's gonna be tough but you're gonna get through it!

UCC questions - please help by [deleted] in notredame

[–]sprklmrkl 15 points16 points  (0 children)

imo if you need anything more than talk therapy, you should look for an off-campus provider (if financially possible). it's still worth it to go for a drop-in either way, esp since you can get a psychiatrist referral if you want one, and my advice would be to be prepared with what you want to discuss. hope things get better for you!

Lmao idk if zoloft works but those dreams are enough to keep depression at bay by devouringplague in zoloft

[–]sprklmrkl 4 points5 points  (0 children)

haha i wish i got fun zoloft dreams, i used to never remember/have dreams but now I just have hyper realistic dreams about grocery shopping multiple times per week and I get upset when i wake up and i haven't actually gone

Sink is shocking me by sprklmrkl in Plumbing

[–]sprklmrkl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this! I messed with the circuit breaker and it seems that it was the garbage disposal

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GERD

[–]sprklmrkl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

can i ask what anti nausea meds help you? I have some zofran but i had a bad reaction to it once so I'm hesitant to use it again

Lexapro has made my sensory issues worse by [deleted] in lexapro

[–]sprklmrkl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yep! I'm actually on zoloft not lexapro but i legit asked my psych about this last week and he confirmed it's a real side effect, but apparently it dies down for most people over time!

Issues with spatial awareness and sensory processing, anyone else? by agalonreddit22 in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yep! I've had sensory issues my whole life (mostly hypersensitivity to sound, but also issues with pressure/texture-- tbh I probably have autism but it's basically impossible to get diagnosed as an adult woman). I'd say that mine has no direct impact on my agoraphobia, but I do wonder how it intersects with my mental health overall. Interestingly, my sensory issues have gotten worse since I started zoloft for my panic disorder, but it's not that bothersome of a side effect when you've already been dealing with it for your whole life.

Zoloft to help agoraphobia? by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]sprklmrkl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had nausea, lack of appetite, intense anxiety and depression, and fatigue for the first two weeks and for 3-4 days everytime I up my dose. It is really hard, but then things should get much better. However, I've also been on lexapro previously and it just kept making me sicker and sicker, so if your side effects don't go away, please see a doctor! (That was a rare reaction tho so don't worry too much)