View Full Version : Anxiety and Lyrica doses
I have been taking Lyrica 25mg once a night for a few months. Reason being twofold; i have a herniated C6 and have varying left sided neck, shoulder and back pain and I also suffer from long term Anxiety (especially related to my health, but not exclusively. I have what ive heard others call meta-anxiety - anxiety about being anxious).
I was thinking about starting to take Lyrica in the morning too and then gradually increase the dosage up to an effective level.
I guess my worry is about the side effects of increasing the dosage, and also what kind of dosage i would have to reach for it to be effective for both problems. I know there's no hard and fast answer as everyone is different, but I would like to know if anyone else has side effects when increasing the dosage. Are they as bad as when you first start taking Lyrica or generally less?
I really don't like to take medication too much, but Ive been "out of order" for nearly a year now and really need to reach a functioning level of life as opposed to just getting by with constant distress.
No responses to any of my posts, lol. Lucky that im not paranoid or I might think no one likes me! :doh:
Did you know that Lyrica was originally prescribed for epilepsy, then for pain and then as an anti depressant. Like so many druges it makes me sceptical if the doctors really know if they are prescribing the right drug for the right condition and the right patient.
After numerous anti depressants I had a course of Lyrica which wasn't particularly helpful but I gained two stone.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Thanks for the reply Ricardo,
I completely agree with you on that. Some doctors (mine included) dont really inspire confidence in how they are treating you. They are quick to give you medicines, even if they are not entirely sure whats the problem is.
My GP is thinking Lyrica is the best bet for me as it is supposed to target two of my major issues - Pain as well as Anxiety, although the cause of pain hasn't had a real diagnosis. Interestingly, there is some kind of connection between the two, they nearly always seem to come together. I dont understand how medical professionals can treat a problem if they dont know what the problem is.
I'm sorry to hear Lyrica wasn't effective for you. From my understanding its very hit and miss as to whether it will work. Some people swear by it and others find it useless. I guess maybe i need to pluck up the courage to increase the dosage and find out. I have a real fear of medicinal side effects, especially since i started taking Effexor. That was horrendous and nobody should have to experience that amount of prolonged suffering.
Thanks again for your reply... hope its not the last reply i ever get! :D
nomorepanic
20-06-13, 12:02
Hi
This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your post was moved from its original place to a sub-forum that is more relevant to your problem.
This is nothing personal - it just enables us to keep posts about the same problems in the relevant forums so other members with any experience with the issues can find them more easily.
panicpanda
20-06-13, 16:40
Hi there.
I've been taking pregabalin for a month now. I'm on 50mg morning, 50mg midday, and 100mg at night. I can't say it's doing much, if anything, for my anxiety and I can't comment on pain as I'm not taking it for pain. I'm steadily increasing to see if it does have any positive effect on my anxiety. I have experienced no side effects at all, neither when starting or increasing.
Hopefully more people taking this drug can give some more helpful advice :)
Obviously you'd need to clear dosage adjustments with your GP, as he is aware of your medical history and any other medications you take that may interact.
It's unusual to take it once a day, as it has a very short half life. Usual is 2-3 times a day.
I had very little measurable benefit till I reached 400mg (200 morning & night).
Thanks Panda and Mark,
I was told its supposed to be taken more than once a day, but i didnt progress from the starting dose of one 25mg at night because I was very concerned about the side effects ( at least whilst adjusting) making my anxiety worse. I will speak to my GP on monday to talk about how to increase as I seem to be very sensitive to these kind of medications.
Mark, how do you find you feel on the 200mg x2? Is your anxiety much better and do you feel any side effects? I have heard some people talk about how it makes them forgetful and mentally slower. I guess this may not be the case for everyone taking it.
Hope to hear more from you guys in a similar boat to me!
:)
Hi eldimoni,
I take 600 mg per day. Even allowing for all the variations between people, I can't see how 25 mg per day is having a great effect.
The reason for taking it in more than one dose per day is due the short half life. Over time, levels in the body build up, reducing this effect.
My feeling is that pregabalin has made me more focused, not the reverse.
Hi Hanshan,
I agree, the amount I am taking is tiny and I honestly don't expect any effect at this dose. To be honest I haven't increased or stopped altogether because I am in two minds about which option to take.
Can I ask how long you have been taking it and how quickly you came up to that amount?
I'm being really indecisive; i can see the potential benefits Lyrica may bring, but Im worried that its side effects may be harsh and/or make me mentally slower (as i have heard some people taking it mention).
I think when adjusting to Effexor, the side effects have given me some kind of phobia about new medications and their effects. The Effexor side effects were horrendous for about a month - straight from Satans backside!!
:)
Hi eldomini,
I've been taking pregabalin for close to three years now. I think it took about one to two months to get up to 600 mg per day, but I noticed positive effects almost immediately from when I first started taking it.
Mark, how do you find you feel on the 200mg x2? Is your anxiety much better and do you feel any side effects? I have heard some people talk about how it makes them forgetful and mentally slower.
:)
I felt fine on 400-600, I just came off them in the end because the benefits didn't last for me - I had more high anxiety days than low after 4 months on them, but I know hanshan has been on them for much longer and they still work for him.
I had the odd forgetful or confused moment on pregabalin, but they were fleeting. I find you get those on most ADs (I know preg isn't an AD though) so it's hard to know what caused by anxiety / panic / depression and what's down to the drug.
That said, I can state that it was one of the best drugs I've been on for having mild side effects (I had a drunken feeling, and double vision if I took the 2 dosages too close together) but those SEs weren't distressing just annoying.
Mirtazapine and pregabalin are the drugs that I've had the least problems getting onto and coming off of.
Now duloxetine, which I'm on now had loads more side effects to start, but I persevered. Daren't come off them now, as the withdrawal is said to be bad.
I came off pregabalin in just 4 days.
If it wasn't for the fluid retention and the fact the benefits were wearing off I'd have loved to stay on them. They certainly gave me much lighter moods than any drug I've taken.
Thanks for your replies guys!
I'm pretty sure im going to give Pregabalin a proper try. I had been pondering it the last few days and today i had a large increase in my neck/back pain which came out of the blue after a relatively good period. It also affected my anxiety quite badly so I ended up taking a small amount of Xanax.
I'm convinced there's a strong link between pain and anxiety as every time one starts the other is always there. I think the pregabalin has strong promise for dealing with these simultaneously. Honestly my quality of life is really suffering because of these two things and Id like to get back to a relatively normal life. I think if the pain wasn't an issue i am sure i would have been past this lengthy (10 months) bout of anxiety already. It just keeps pulling me back every time i think im getting better.
I must admit i am quite nervous about starting to take Pregabalin during the day. I'm fairly sure, remembering when I previously started it, that I will have some side effects like being really sleepy and dizzy, kind of like im not really awake/dreaming for a few days, but I guess I will never know how much help it could be if i don't do it.
Guess I'm looking for some moral support too. I'm just so tired of being worried about anxiety as well as medicinal side effects.:blush:
Hope to hear from you guys!
Don't be nervous about taking pregabalin during the day - you can up the dose slowly.
Something I also use for muscle relaxation, but can also be used for pain, is one of those electronic stimulators with pads you stick on your body around the affected part. I don't think I'm allowed to name brands on NMP, but the one I use is made by a Japanese company that also makes blood pressure monitors and the like. It's not so expensive in Japan (where I'm working now), but it's more expensive in the UK (and incredibly expensive in Australia - I don't know why). Again, not everyone finds them beneficial, but I find mine relaxing and helpful with anxiety when I'm feeling stressed.
Thanks for the support Hanshan,
Im taking my first day-time dose now, but im only starting on a tiny amount (12.5mg) like i first did with the night time dose. I found the side effects at this level quite strong initially and it takes me about 3-4 days for the tiredness to wear off. Maybe a week later i will up to 25mg daytime too.
Im hoping it works well for me, but i cant help feeling quite anxious about it.
A pain specialist i saw has referred me for a TENS machine, although it takes ages on the NHS to get anything, so Im still waiting on that.
Its bad enough having to deal with anxiety, but the pain on top is just too much and often triggers the anxiety. Saw my GP this morning and told him about what im doing. He was also questioning why i don't increase my dosage of Effexor up to 75mg (im on 55mg now). Its hard for others to appreciate just how bad (for me - traumatizing) some side effects can be, even if they are temporary.
Update: I took my first 12.5mg dose about 2 hours ago. I do feel a little odd, like drowsy and my brain is not particularly alert, but its not terrible. If it stays like this for a few days until i adjust, i think its manageable. My wife phoned me from her work and I did feel a little emotional like i was going to become teary, but i think that's the overall feeling down and anxiety from starting a medicine.
Hi Eldimoni,
You can buy a TENS machine in chemists which are pretty cheap. The side effects you are describing are exactly the ones I get. A feeling of drunkeness and somnolence, its perfectly normal. I take a nap early afternoons when they kick in.
Good luck and welcome to pregagablin:)
Hi SarahH and thanks for your reply.
As the day has gone on it has definitely gotten a bit better... though still feel a bit odd and a bit dizzy as well as tired.
In your experience (and anyone else who it taking Pregabalin), has the daytime sleepiness and other side effects subsided with time?
I would love to be able to take a nap when they kick in, but I get really anxious about daytime sleeping due to this strange symptom i have; i seem to have these strange "jolts" either when im sleeping or just waking up and trying to get back to sleep. Once i get up, they disappear or are at least not noticeable.
From what i can tell, it is anxiety related as there are times it isn't there which seem to coincide with when im having a "good" period. it sounds like nothing, but its a very disconcerting symptom. Kind of like someone making a sudden pull on various parts of your body, sometimes with a short sharp burst of stomach adrenaline. Usually once it starts to happen i have to get up. Its like my body is telling me to get up.
It would be great to hear back from you guys, you're a real help! Its great to hear the various experiences different people have and all the advice they give. Nice to have a different perspective from just the Doctors, and Ive learnt not to see Dr.Google too much. He really likes to bear bad news most of the time!
:)
Hi, I've been on Pregabalin for 5 months and the side effects definitely wear off. To begin with 50mg was making me sleepy, a drunk like feeling and gave me a poor memory however it wasn't unpleasant and these effects wore off within days. I increased from 150mg daily to 450mg daily over a period of about 4 weeks and the side effects didn't get worse with each increase I seem to remember them getting less although I did develop a dry mouth at doses over 400mg. I don't remember sleeping in the day much, maybe in the first week. The only negative effect I noticed was that I became very introspective, I started thinking about things that had happened 30+ years ago and dwelling on things more. It would be a great drug if I were having psychotherapy I'd have no problems talking about my past although I'm normally a reserved, keep it all in kind of girl.
It worked great on my anxiety but over time I needed to increase the dose to have the same antianxiety effects and after a few weeks at 450mg I continued to get panic attacks and started feeling low so I am now starting another antidepressant. It is the easiest anti anxiety medication I have taken, the side effects were minimal, it worked quickly - within hours and I hope to be able to continue to take it whilst starting up a SSRI. I thought it was going to knock me out when I first started taking it but it didn't it was very subtle and manageable, I was able to continue working whilst increasing the dose, unfortunately the same can not be said for antidepressants I have tried.
I've started reducing the dose as my anxiety is better although my depression is worse :wacko: and I haven't had any problems decreasing - no horrible withdrawal symptoms. I was told by doctors to play around with the dose to suit me and found taking it 3 times a day was best for me, two small daytime doses and a larger night time dose.
Keep posting your progress on here, it's a great way to track your recovery and you'll receive encouragement and positive comments.
Sam
Thanks Tufty, for your reply. Very informative.
I guess one of my main concerns is that Pregabalin works for my pain and anxiety and then starts not to work. Is it the case that it stops working completely or that it just levels off (for lack of a better phrase). Again, I'm sure its different for everyone.
When its effects start to lower as your body adjusts to it, do you find it still has an anti anxiety effect, but to a lesser extent as your body is now used to it, or does your anxiety return to the level prior to taking Pregabalin? I would assume it should level whilst still having an effect, otherwise it seems a strange medicine to take. Any ideas on this?
I'm keen to keep the dose as small as possible, whilst it still being effective. I don't really have true panic attacks, more consistent ongoing anxiety which, over time, can build up to the point of an anxiety attack of sorts (adrenaline/trembling/hyperventilating/confusion) or becoming very emotional (teary and down).
I had about 10 years anxiety free (well maybe the odd flare up now and then) whilst on Effexor, cutting down over the last 3 years to an almost zero dose, then my back pain started and it was like i was transported back to that horrible lonely place again, but this time with Chronic Pain as well. Had to start on the Effexor again. Kind of crushing as I was much better and had spent so long coming off Effexor. I was physically fit, doing 5k runs most days. Now i just have a belly (luckily my wife thinks its cute :)).
Exercise was really the best thing i did for anxiety, but now im kind of limited as well as overly cautious about exercise. Such a bummer.
Hi Eldimoni,
What you are experiencing is probably a a Hypnogogic Jerk. I get them ALL the time when I am trying to get to sleep, particularly in the day. It can happen three or four times before I drop off. Be assured this is a perfectly natural body function. It is your bodies natural pacemaker putting your heart into rhythmn as it slows down for sleep. If you are anxious it is more noticable this is why you feel it just as you about to pass from wakefullness into sleep. It used to scare the crap out of me until I read about it and realised that it is normal so now I only get one as I drop off. Dont fight it just think to yourself "this is normal" and then you will find you sleep. And it also only happens to me when I take a daytime nap and not at night.
The Daytime sleepiness does lessen with time.........
keep posting and we will all do our best to support you:)
---------- Post added at 17:34 ---------- Previous post was at 17:28 ----------
Oh sorry forgot to mention pregabalin is also prescribed for pain (and epilepsy)as it works on the pain signals to the spine....but you already probably knew that:blush:
---------- Post added at 17:35 ---------- Previous post was at 17:34 ----------
AND...Hi Sam hope you are feeling better today :)
I'm OK thanks Sarah - I've replied on your thread.
I've found that as my body/brain has got used to Pregabalin and it has levelled out my anxiety has returned but never to the heights that it was pre Pregabalin. The Pregabalin seems to take the edge off it still.
I agree with your thoughts about exercise, it must be frustrating having back pain. I exercise most days, even when I don't want to I still go and it does help. Is there any exercise you could do? Maybe swimming, yoga or walking?
Ha Ha!! swopping threads like mad today!!!!
I walk with my dog for 1 and half hours a day and I am a cleaner 3 hrs a day at 48yrs old that's my lot :D
Many thanks for your replies guys!
Can I ask, do you take Pregabalin twice or three times per day. Im due to be on a twice daily routine. I took my first daytime dose at about 11am. Its now 6:30pm and it feels like it is wearing off. Excluding the first few hours, I didnt really feel much anxiety only a bit like a zombie, but it now seems a little more prevalent. Im assuming this is normal until my body balances out the doses. Also another query- is it possible to be having "withdrawl" effects just after increasing the dose - whilst that sounds a bit silly, what i mean is the body has just experienced an increase in the medication and a few hours before the next dose the level is dropping back down. I dont know if that makes any sense at all.
Yes its very true about the exercises being beneficial. I tend to go on long walks these days, but i find it doesn't quite burn the adrenaline like a good run or cycle.
With regards to the Hypnogogic Jerk - from most of what i have read, it seems to happen to people just as they are falling asleep at night. I find that I usually can get to sleep ok, but experience the "jerks" in the morning. Sometimes they wake me, but usually they start after i have first woken but then try to get back to sleep again. I havent really heard many people day they have it in the morning. That being said, it would make sense, like SarahH said, that it is your bodys natural reaction. I think maybe its my bodys way of saying to wake up for some reason.
Hi,
If you experience anxiety in the mornings that could be why you get the "jerks" as you are trying to go back to sleep then. They are a huge symptom of anxiety and on this forum there are many many threads about them.
Exercise is great for anxiety when you are younger. I used to run 6 miles a day in my thirties...but the joints cant take it now:D
I take my pregabalin twice a day after food as I find the side effects are worse on an empty tummy. I take them at 10am and 8pm. As it builds up in your system you should not notice the gaps in doses but if you miss a dose you may have the jitters a few hours later.
Take care
Sorry if you think im asking too many questions, but i find your advice invaluable. So much more incisive than a doctor repeating what the medicine sheet says.
One more thing i noticed when i first started taking Pregabalin at night was that during the night and when i woke in the morning i had really stiff joints, especially in my hands and fingers. It was also a bit painful. It would subside after a while.
Is this anything you have experienced? It kind of felt like they were swollen. I generally have to sleep on my back due to the pain, usually with my hands resting on top of me. This wasn't particularly distressing just very odd. :shrug:
I did make the mistake when i first took Pregabalin, of taking some xanax at the same time.... just knocked me out for the next day.
Again, many thanks guys! If you were all local, I'd buy you lunch! (was going to say a drink, but thats a no no on pregabalin right?!) :D
No problem with the questions...we all help each other:D
painful joints are a side effect listed. I have stiff hips.
And yes you can drink whilst taking pregabalin....but I would'nt advise going on a bender. If you have one drink it will feel like you have had three! so be careful:shades:
I found that 12 hours between doses was too much when I first started them, like you I felt an increase in anxiety about 8 hours after the morning dose. I used to take one at 8am, 3pm and 10pm. I now take one at 10am and two at 10pm which allows me to sleep well and wake with a little anxiety, without a hangover feeling and able to get up and on with my day and the daytime anxiety is low too.
I don't get joint pain with Pregabalin but I do with SSRI's and Mirtazapine. I hope you're both having relaxing evenings?
Thanks Sarah and Tufty!
Yes today i started to feel a little anxious about 8 hours or so after the morning dose, so i decided to go for a long walk (probably about 6kms). It helped and i now feel better, although my pain is acting up a little, its not too bad.
From my understanding, this gap when the anxiety seems to pop up a little will subside with time. If that's the case then that's good. I must say that i was dreading today quite a lot, but it wasn't as bad as i was expecting. Not to say that is was all pleasant, i think my mental image of how it would be was far worse than the reality. I guess this is also the case with anxiety in general. We tend to think the worst will happen, but in reality it rarely does.
I'm still in the early days, but im determined to give this a good shot.
I'm just relaxing at home watching some "The Big Bang Theory". I got the series and its really funny. Never used to watch many TV series but recently started. So far have watched Warehouse 13 and Eureka. They're fairly light hearted series which are funny and good to relax. Also just relaxing with my wife as she just got back from work. She works as a Masseuse so i occasionally get a free massage, although i don't like to abuse that privilege as she works really hard and is so understanding of my issues.
I get the jerks too. They are normal, but are more intense when I'm stressed. Generally they occur in periods of half wakefulness. If you are being woken from a deep sleep with a rush of anxiety, that is something different (night terror). It's probably more likely to be related to an ongoing period of increased anxiety.
Hi Hanshan,
Yes I think you are correct about the jerks... I noticed they seem to be there when im more anxious. The less anxious i am in general, the less they occur in frequency and strength. The body is a funny thing isn't it.
This morning i woke up and had absolutely no jerks at all. So nice! I suspect its related to starting my daytime dose of Pregabalin yesterday as i felt generally calmer during the day, even though my initial dose was half a capsule (12.5mg). I felt pretty tired when i woke up, like i could still sleep some more, but I had to take my son to school. Usually, the morning is one of the worst times of the day for me, but so far its ok. The back / neck pain is still kind of annoying, but not extreme.
I think i read something previously about the levels of cortisol being higher in the morning as they increase during nighttime sleep. I also noticed that when im going through a better period, i tend to dream wheras when im not so good i don't. I considered it may be something to do with being able to get into REM sleep, although I may be off the mark.
Will be taking my second daytime dose today. Im still a bit nervous but not as much this time as I already experienced it.
You seem to be doing well...keep going...and keep asking those questions whenever you like. We have all had different experiences with Pregabalin. Some are quite new to it (like me) and others have lengthier (is that a word?) knowledge. But I have found this forum great for comfort and understanding and reassurance. :)
Hi guys,
Today i was less spaced out, still a little hazy but not so bad. The anxiety was not really there today, maybe just a tiny inkling creeping in now, but very small. I'll probably go up to a full 25mg capsule in about 3 days time. The only bad thing today was the neck and back pain which still seems to be there now and then, but its early days.
I decided to go for a 2 hour therapeutic massage which was nice, especially as the masseuse is a friend of my wife and actually teaches massage. She is superb.
I also just spoke to a friend of mine on Facebook. His Sister works for Pfizer in Spain and mentioned that his mother, aunt and cousin all took Pregabalin for a while and the only side effect they had was developing a love for Bob Marley. :whistles:
I agree that this forum is really good to get knowledge first hand and super for the support and re-assurance members give. I dont like to bash doctors, but in my case, he seems to only have a textbook knowledge of anxiety and medications. Real life is far more intricate and complex and, in my experience, the most knowledgeable people are the people that deal with anxiety and all that comes with it, be it in the past or the present. :)
hi guys,
Yesterday was not too bad with regards to feeling spaced out, but the pain was the main thing for me. It was making me a bit anxious, not to a panicky level, but it draws my attention to it quite a lot. It was basically occupying my mind for a lot of the time which isn't very pleasant.
I think a lot of my anxiety is related to pain, not just when its there, but the anticipation that it could come back at any time. That in itself is really mentally tiring and distracting. Its very difficult to not worry about the pain coming back as I seem to have problems coping with it when its present and then worry about it hanging over my head, ready to fall on me at any time. Maybe it sounds silly, but I have yet to find an effective strategy (mentally) to deal with this pain conundrum.
Any suggestions? Ive tried CBT too, but it seems to be hard to put into practice sometimes.
I was also thinking about how the Pregabalin might help the pain, but only in masking it. Meaning that if it was effective, that's great, but if i decided to come off of Pregabalin at any point, it would return, possibly worse than before as the Pregabalin has been masking the pain and whatever is the cause of it could have gotten worse. I think part of the problem may be that no one has given me an actual diagnosis, only suggested that its probably myofascial pain (https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/myofascial-pain-syndrome/DS01042). Sometimes i think this could be it and other times im not so sure.
Try looking up Mindfulness Meditation there is alot of evidence that this helps with pain and our thoughts regarding "anticipation" of pain/anxiety/panic attacks etc. I am trying to practice it everyday since being inspired by Ruby Waxs' new book. I have an incredible feeling of calm after a few minutes of Mindfilness. I have even booked on a one day workshop in Bath.
It's the new "big thing" apparently:)
As you say, anxiety and pain can each affect the other. You need some way of stopping a pain - anxiety escalation from taking place.
From the point of view of medication, increasing the dose of pregabalin may help. The maximum is 600 mg per day.
The only other suggestion I can put forward is a TENS electronic stimulator. This has helped me for muscle relaxation, and a general feeling of relaxation from anxiety.
But take care.
Hi guys!
Yes I had actually tried an 8 week course of Mindfulness Meditation. For me it was of limited success as I didnt do the "homework" everyday. I found it made me much too introspective and in turn that made my anxiety worse.
I would like to give it another shot as I really think its potentially a great thing to practice, im just not sure how it helps as the teacher was very hesitant to say it would help with anything.
Im still waiting on the NHS for my TENS machine. They take ages to sort anything out in London. I hope it will help.
Bad news for me today though. I took my 3rd Daytime dose which made me sleepy today, so i decided to have a nap. Unfortunately i started getting these "jerks" again quite badly everytime I was just dozing off. I tried to tell myself they are normal and just anxiety or the medication, but honestly I found it quite distressing as it just wouldn't subside so i had to get up.
Its like when the Jerk happens, it shocks me a little; thats why the adrenaline is there... something akin to someone jumping out from behind something to scare you with a practical joke. That shocked feeling, but quite strong. If it keeps happening, i cant help but be distressed.
I know ive mentioned these jerks before, but any more help or advice would be super!!
---------- Post added at 15:54 ---------- Previous post was at 14:32 ----------
Hi again,
Just a quick follow up to my previous post about the "jerking". Im really confused as to the cause; initially i though it was purely the anxiety, but now im not so sure. I was just reading somewhere else that this can be a side effect of Lyrica too. I really couldnt say for sure which one it is.
The person mentioning it was scaremongering a little and did it pretty well. He was saying that if you get this symptom you should discontinue the drug as it may become permanent. I know i shouldn't do Google searches for these things, but my mind feels confused and searching for answers which my GP cant give me answers to.
I can feel the Lyrica lowering the anxiety and the tiredness is something thats supposed to wear off, but the jerking is increasingly becoming an issue. If it was once a week or so, that would be ok, but everytime i wake up or have a nap just feels like too much.
Thanks again for reading guys!
Hi there,
Try reading Ruby Wax's new book. ( I know I seem to be plugging this book but I am not on any kind of commission or anything ....honest:)) She explains how "introspective" is good!! Practice is the key to successful mindfulness. She gives a very funny, inciteful look into anxiety/depression and simple Mindfulness excercises. Give it another go. When I was in a psychiatric unit it was the treatment that they were really keen for everyone to try.
With regards the TENS machine. You can get one on Amazon very cheaply if you dont want to wait.
Now, the biggy! "The Jerks". I am SURE that nothing is wrong with you, but if you are worried about your heart your GP can give you an ECG which takes a few minutes to reassure you that nothing is wrong.
I have had The Jerks for many years, and still have them now when trying to take a nap in the afternoon. I dont get them at night because that is when I am most relaxed. The afternoons are when I am most anxious hence the Jerks when I take a nap. What you describe is exactly the same as I feel. I sometimes jump out of my skin when it happens. BUT as I relax more into my sleep they stop. I rarely have them now (but have had them on and off for years when really anxious) since taking the pregabalin.
Have you looked on this forum there are loads of threads about Hypnogogic Jerks.
Take care
Sarah
Hi Sarah and thanks for your reply.
I'm a lot calmer now than i was earlier. Even though Ive had these "jerks" for months on and off, I don't know why i find it so difficult to get used to. Perhaps because they seem to disappear for short periods, then i let my mental guard down thinking they've gone for good, then they spring up seemingly out of nowhere and catch me out. Kinda feels like back to square one.
I am leaning towards it being more of an anxiety related issue than a Pregabalin one, don't ask me why though. My wife was telling me earlier to carry on taking it for a few weeks at 25mg twice daily to see how it stabilizes.
Ive found that the anxiety levels are much lower, even on this small dose. Previously the Jerks would have freaked me out for hours and set the day up for an anxiety-fest.
I think I will buy that book on Amazon or head down to Waterstones for a read. I do think Mindfulness is very useful, but takes some discipline in getting used to. Its certainly got its place in anxiety treatment as so many people talk greatly of it. I had loads of Jon Kabat-Zins audios and books. He is really good at conveying the practice with a calming voice.
Maybe next time i have these jerks i will try some mindful breathing and see how it progresses. Fingers crossed.
Many thanks again for your kind words and advice. Its much appreciated.!:yesyes:
from what you say you had them BEFORE pregabalin so it makes sense then that it is the anxiety making them worse. At a guess I would say you are anxious about pregabalin therefore the jerks are coming back. This then becomes the vicious circle of anxiety/fear that something is wrong with your heart/health. It's a hard habit to break. I would be surprised if the small dose you are taking is removing your anxiety but it may be possible.
Keep going
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I think you may be right about the causes of the jerks being anxiety rather than Pregabalin. To be honest its been so long, that I dont remember if I had them before i took Pregabalin.
That being said, this morning I woke up and didn't have them... it somehow felt like they weren't far away, but not actually happening.
With regards to the dosage and if its having any effect, it feels like it is having some kind of effect but again it may be that I am quite sensitive to small changes or that its a kind of placebo effect of sorts.
Ill be going shopping today to get that book you mentioned! :yesyes:
Hi Guys
Firstly, I'm a little worried that i may be boring people or driving them away with my continuous posts and questions...
Yesterday wasn't too bad, although from about 2pm I had this feeling somewhere between drinking far too much coffee and a kind of edgy electricity, like something was imminent. I just tried to carry on as normal and nothing bad happened.
The Jerks:
This morning, there were initially no "jerks" as soon as I woke, but after about 10 mins of being awake in bed there were a few, not so bunched together. I'm trying not to be worried about them, but Ive been so anxious for so long, its like an automatic response, a little ingrained. How do you undo this? by exposure?
I still find the morning to be when I feel quite anxious and not so sure of myself... quite fragile mentally i think.
Mindfulness book:
I bought that Ruby Wax book and got about 1/4 through it yesterday. I like her style. She adds a nice element of humor into the subject. Her view is mainly from someone with depression, but the strategies she talks about can be applied to all.
Non Lyrica-related venting coming up:
Another thing is that Im currently unemployed (have been for two and a half years after leaving the Civil Service) and have far too much time on my hands. I try to find things to do in the day to keep busy, but its like a constant struggle to find something. I tend to go on long walks, but a lot of the time I feel a bit lonely, especially as my wife works late (9pm finish). I basically have too much time alone and not doing much which allows too much thinking. Whats the saying?... an idle mind is the devils workshop. Something like that.
I feel really tired this morning and would love to just lie down for a nap. The problem is as I previously mentioned; the jerks! Its like once my brain has "switched on" for the day once Ive woken up, it doesn't like me going back to sleep until the night time, regardless of if I feel really tired.:unsure: I'm still 50/50 on whether its the anxiety or Pregabalin. Could be a combination.
I cant help thinking I'm missing out on so much in life, just caught up in this vicious circle of anxiety and fear. I'm sure you have all felt the same at some point or maybe still do. Its such a misunderstood disorder for most people who have no idea what kind of prolonged suffering is involved. It hasn't always been like this, but when its been with you so long, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I remember listening to Eckhart Tolle's story how he just woke up one day and decided not to fight with himself anymore and from then on was a changed man, able to appreciate life and all its beauty. I don't know how such a fast transition could take place... hes a lucky sod.:)
Firstly. You are not boring anybody!!! Believe me we have all been there in some way or another and we are all here to help and support each other....so type away for as long as you like:D
Secondly, the Jerks (the little monsters). I really believe this is your anxiety not the pregabalin. I cant remember what dose of pregabalin you are on. If it is a low dose then perhaps you could try upping it and asking for some valium to take when necessary to take when things get really bad. Most Dr's with an understanding of Acute anxiety will be willing to prescribe this as long as you can show them you are only taking it on the odd occassion. Mornings can be a very bad time for us as we have the day ahead and can sub-conciously be worried what is going to happen. Plan your day even if it is walk into town to a coffee shop (decaff only though).
Thirdly, Ruby's book has some little exercises towards the end which may be helpful to stop your mind from wandering and ruminating which from what you are saying is happening to you. It may also help to stop The Jerks. Worrying is our "enemy", if you can try to control that element it may help. I know it has for me.
Fourthly,....loneliness.....yep thats' me too!!!! I live with my 23yr old daughter who works fulltime and lives the life of a 23yr old i.e. comes home for tea then out and about. I spend a great deal of time on my own, have few friends (but they are good ones), and no social life. I am 48 and live in a small town...how do you make new friends at my age?
I work part-time as a cleaner after a career as a police officer. It's a lonely life! I am not trying to compare as we are all different, but I can relate to what you are saying. I get easily tired so in the evenings I am fit for nothing.:shrug:
I too can feel like I am missing out on life and that at my age I am running out of time!! So I am making myself look at events coming up which I hope will get me out and make new friends (no not relationships, that's the last thing I want right now). I do know that it is hard when you are feeling so crap at the moment. Do you read books, a good novel can help me stop thinking about myself for a couple of hours?.
I dont know who Eckhart Tolle is but it sounds like he embraced the Mindfulness techniques if was starting appreciate "life and all it's beauty". He also could be using the "stop" method, where you literally say the word "stop" when you are ruminating to prevent your thoughts catastrophizing everything in your life.
Keep going...life will get better
Sarah
Hi Sarah and thanks for your kind words.
With regards to the Jerks, my opinion of what causes them seems to change between anxiety and Lyrica. I think its more likely to be the anxiety and the fact im taking a new drug makes it subconsciously worse. Since I started on this small daytime dose, Ive noticed my anxiety is at a slightly lower level and maybe i had assumed that the jerks should have stopped as a result of not feeling quite so anxious.
Im slowly increasing the daytime dose.. now up to about 20mg in the morning and 25mg at night. I know its still a small dose and I think i will increase it even though I generally dont like to be taking large amounts of what i would call strong drugs. I find myself thinking about how difficult it could be to stop them at some time in the future - the side effects and all. Its the same thing with the Venlafaxine i take. Im on less than a full capsule of the extended release version (55mg out of a full 75mg cap) and I REALLY dont want to increase that because for me the adjusting side effects are horrendous for a few weeks.
I do have some Xanax (a supposedly short acting benzodiazepine )which my GP prescribed. It is the lowest dose (250 micrograms) and I only take 1/8th of the tablet. Even this tiny amount seems to really knock me out. I don't know if I'm hyper-sensitive to some drugs, but its odd. I take it very infrequently and when I do, its always at night time. The thing is that it seems to last into the next day until 2-3pm, making me very groggy. Sometimes I even wake up and cry because i feel so emotional and down from it. That in itself has given me an aversion to these. If i take them in the day, i will just sleep throughout the day.
I also had another batch of Xanax from years ago which has expired. I tried taking the same amount, and it seems to work ok.. not lasting into the morning. That being said, they are just about finished and i couldn't ask the GP for expired tablets... I know generally speaking they shouldn't be taken.
I'm quite conscious about taking medications. Sometimes i think, for me, its like im not strong enough to get well on my own without taking tablets; like a weakness. I know it sounds bad, but i don't know how to change that idea.
Also thinking about the fact that I don't know if i have to take these for the rest of my life.... I guess there are so many nooks and crannies which become magnified and sometimes are created by anxiety.
I used to be a really fun, carefree and active person and I just miss that part of myself. I know its still buried somewhere inside, its just getting to a point where it can return without fear of relapsing.:)
I used to have maybe 4-5 good friends who would always phone or hang out, but these days I would be lucky to see one of them for maybe 2 hours once in 3-4 months. I always have my Wife (who is easily my best friend too), but I dont like to burden her too much with my issues. It wouldnt be fair and I know sometimes it upsets her too, but shes mentally very tough and doesnt let it show much. She grew up in a beautiful rural part of Thailand where there is much more a sense of community and people really look out for each other.
Again many thanks for your patience in reading... :yesyes:
You're welcome :)
You could try to look at things a different way.......If you were a diabetic,had high blood pressure or had a heart problem you would have to take drugs for the rest of your life!! ...so why should you be any different because to have a mental health problem. It's an illness. If I have to take pregabalin for the rest of my life to keep anxiety away then I am happy with that. I took Citalopram (10mgs) for 11 years and it kept me calm. I stupidly came off it thinking I was well and 10 months later BAM! I ended up in a psychiatric unit with an acute PTSD.
Keep yer chin up:D
Eldimoni
I literally could have written most of what youve said myself! I.was on pregabalin last year. Started in feb and had side effects such as mild euphoria(which I actually liked) and dizziness (which i.hated). After a while I was feeling less anxious in general but not 100% anxiety free at all. Like u,i wouldnt want to.increase the doseage... I was on 25mgs twice maybe.3 times a day.
Then in december I chest xray. The drs told me it was fine but when.i read the report it mentioned thatbmybheart size was at the "upper limits of normal"... Of course (as I suffer from extreme health anxiety) I instantly thought my heart was enlarging and it was the.pregabalin that had done it. I stopped ir immediately. My gp sent me for an echo of my heart which confirmed.my left ventricle.is.on the upper limit of normal...this for me confirmed that itvwas the pregabalin. All the cardio drs and my gp said its stillnormal and working well so not to worry...and not one.dr.agreed it was the pregabalin.
Well since being off it my anxiety went sky high. I wake up shaking every day in fear. Any pain freaks me out. Ive ran into.a+e so many times thinking the.worst :(
I now dont know.what to.do. I.know I meed something but I dontbeant an ssri as I came off citalopram 3.weeks ago as itd stopped.working.and.have had the worst.withdrawals ever. Im thinking that if the drs can tell me the upper limits of normal heart size isnt the.pregabalin then id be happy to take it again..but jow can they prove that? Im also.scared and have a huge fear of.medications. Ive seen people have anaphylatic shocks.and.i think.im going to.die even.if I take a new vitamin!!!
How have u halved the pregabalin? Is it ok to cut the capsules before swallowing?
I.hate living like this...
Charlotte
Ps sorry about all the errors and full stops...my phone is terrible!!
Well I increased the dose to nearly 25mgs today and it was initially not very good. I felt really spaced out and clumsy... like i wasnt myself, but in like how you might feel in a dream. I started to freak out a bit around 3-4pm... not really in an anxiety way, but more emotional and down way.. Just really fed up of having to deal with the same thing over and over everyday. I just wanted the pain and anxiety to go away, as well as the very odd feeling i was having due to the Pregabalin.
I did end up in tears for the best part of an hour, again not really anxiety, more like distress and being utterly exhausted... I think the side effects from the pregabalin were playing a large role in this.
I will probably try for the full 25 mgs tomorrow and stay at that level to see how it levels off. Im hoping the surreal side effects vanish and the anxiety levels stay the same or improve. Im not sure how its working for the pain.. it seems to be doing something i think.
I did have horrible jerks this morning though... I was trying to stay with them and reason with myself that they are a normal thing when going through a stressful time, but they are so sudden and come when you are most relaxed, its hard not to be affected by them. The only alternative is to get up as soon as they start... which could be very early.
Im also seriously considering changing my GP. Mine seems to not really have much interest in anxiety, like its not a serious thing. His solution is just "take this medicine" or "increase the dosage". No real human aspect or interest in what im saying to him. Very annoying. He knows Im very sensitive to Meds and get freaked out easily and he never takes any of this into account... not a very caring attitude - and thats not the anxiety speaking.
Also, regarding my back pain, no one has every diagnosed it... meaning no xrays/MRIs/Physical checks... the most i had was a pain specialist visually looking at my back for about 30 seconds. Thankfully im going to Thailand next month and I can get a specialist to look at it properly on the same day for a small cost. Hopefully I may get some answers.
Charlotte... I understand what you are saying about medications, although im probably not quite as worried about them as you may be.... but I cant advise on your heart... I wouldn't have thought that Pregabalin would do that, but Im not qualified to say, but i find it very unlikely. Remember, when we are in an anxious state we will nearly always magnify something that would otherwise be insignificant. Im guilty of this all the time, I can comment on how anxiety works, but i also find it difficult to make the correct thought processes stick when anxious... like anxiety is coated in Teflon :)
I can manually adjust the dose because I have some milligram scales i bought online. i just empty the capsule and remove some then re-weigh until im at the amount i want to take. I am doing this with my GPs knowledge and would encourage you to speak to yours first if you are thinking about doing this too. I also do this with my Venlafaxine XR.
Eldemoni,
What you describe in your first paragraph are most definately side effects of pregabalin in the early stages. These SE will pass with time.
And funnily enough I went for a nap yesterday and had the Jerks about 5 times in an hour.!!!! Mine were accompanied with a feeling that I had stopped breathing and came to gasping for breath. It was horrible, but I know that I was anxious yesterday and that was why it happened. From investigation on this forum and others I know this is a symptom of my anxiety which stops me worrying about. It's "normal" when anxious.
Take care
Sarah
Hi Charlotte - I have heart rhythm problems from time to time, so I have my heart checked with x-rays, echocardiograms and the like. I've been taking 600 mg daily of pregabalin for close on three years, but there's no sign of heart enlargement, and I haven't noticed it as a listed side effect. Remember, your heart is still in the normal range - sometimes these things are idiopathic - ie doctors can't find a reason, but there may be a reason like blood pressure or cholesterol that you can take positive action on. Best to discuss with your doctor.
Hi Eldomini - I hope you get some good treatment in Thailand. Also, you may be able to relax and enjoy yourself free of anxiety. Good luck!
Hi again Guys!
Yesterday was pretty awful and this morning the jerks were really bad... some accompanied by adrenaline. This is becoming a real big issue for me.
Ive decided to go an see my GP about it this week. Im hoping he doesnt disregard my concerns.
Do you know of any medical checks that can be done to check for the causes of these jerks.
I really cant underestimate how much this is affecting me. It may well just be the anxiety, but I cant help worrying it may be the Pregabalin or something else. Im not paranoid about it being some kind of brain thing or anything like that, I just really want to know exactly what it is so i can find a way of dealing with it.
I tried to relax about it when happening, but then when im drifting off again... BAM it happens again over and over. Really gets the day off to a bad start.
If you are really worried you can ask for an ECG which your GP can arrange for you. My practice does them on site. I am sure it is the anxiety but an ECG will reassure you that your heart is OK. Everybody has Ectopic Beats but they do not notice them. But anxiety sufferers notice them.
Take Care
Sarah
---------- Post added at 12:58 ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 ----------
Hypnic jerk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A hypnic jerk, hypnagogic jerk, sleep start, or night start, is an involuntary twitch which occurs during hypnagogia, just as a person is beginning to fall asleep, often causing him or her to awaken suddenly for a moment. Physically, hypnic jerks resemble the "jump" experienced by a person when startled,[1] often accompanied by a falling sensation.[2]
There are several Youtube videos posted by both frequent sufferers of hypnic/hypnagogic jerks and health professionals/media outlining what they are and theories about what causes them. Unfortunately, they are just theories - nobody knows for sure. I seem to remember seeing one video posted by a fellow who gets them every twenty seconds or so - all the time, not just when lying down. The videos I have seen have been worth watching (I also get the jerks, but have never been concerned by them, although I was curious to find out something about them).
I do know from experience that if a condition is (a) essentially incurable, (b) mostly untreatable, but (c) not life-threatening, debilitating or painful, then doctors just don't want to know about you, despite the psychic anguish the condition may be causing you. Remember, you are likely to notice it more when you are anxious, which can make you more anxious, which might increase the symptoms... and on it goes.
Take care.
Sarah and Hanshan... thanks for your advice.
Im pretty sure it is what you say it is... Hypnic jerks. From my understanding it is a fairly normal thing which up to 70% of people experience. Only difference being that most people dont notice it, wheras I do at the moment and it is made worse by anxiety and thus causes further anxiety.
I did also read on a major drugs information website about interactions between Pregabalin and Venlafaxine that Pregabalin may increase " dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating", although Im not sure if this is true in my case, I dont want to jump to conclusions (as I know I do sometimes).
Another interesting thing I have tried for the last two nights is to take 2 capsules of something called "Cherry Active". It is from montmorency cherries and is high in antioxidants as well as increasing melatonin (helpful for sleeping). For the last two nights (mornings) I have woken to having either no jerks or not really noticeable jerks. I could feel a couple sometimes, but very faintly. I do feel pretty tired when i wake up, probably as they make you sleep pretty well, but if its truly the Cherry capsules working, then it can only be a good thing.:) I will need to take them for a bit longer to know for sure if its these doing the trick or not. It would be interesting to see if anyone else who is experiencing this symptom has any success with these capsules.
Thanks again! :hugs:
Hi Eldimoni,
Keep trying with the cherry capsules if they work for you.
It may be true that 70% of the population experience hypnic jerks, but to different degrees. Most people would have one or two while falling off to sleep at night, and barely notice them. As you've said, you get them while waking up, which I would put at a very small percentage of people.
It is true that pregabalin can cause 'dizziness', 'drowsiness' and 'difficulty concentrating', particularly when first taken. But remember that this is doctor-speak for whatever was said to researchers in some study or other. If someone in a study says 'I feel a bit giddy sometimes, and occasionally I wonder whether I've turned off the gas or not,' then that will duly be recorded as 'dizziness and lack of concentration'. My own experience is that if these symptoms are present, they disappear over time.
Yes I would agree that it find it quite odd that i get these jerks in the morning, opposed to at night when falling asleep. I wonder what the reasoning is for this. The reason I thought initially that it could be the pregabalin is because i take one about 9:30pm and had the idea that it may be wearing off in the morning, thus giving me these jerks.
I have continued with the Cherry capsules and this morning was not too bad... I did have a few jerks about 10-15 mins after waking and still being in bed. They weren't too bad as they weren't so numerous and I got up pretty quickly after. Like i mentioned previously, I know they aren't supposed to be dangerous, but im concerned that if they continue i will develop some kind of phobia about both them and sleeping.
Do you think it would be over-reacting to ask the doctor to refer me for some tests regarding these jerks? I'm aware there's a few things like sleep apnea and airway problems that could cause hypnic Jerks. I realise its more likely to be anxiety related but do you think its worthwhile to rule out any other causes? Im quite aware that Im anxious and prone to speculation, and Im not sure if my request for checks would be justified or its just me being overanxious.
I would also be a little embarrassed to ask my doctor as i can pretty much guess his response.... usually to not take me very seriously (have a snigger) and say its not needed.
I did think of sleep apnea, but I checked it out and, from my limited understanding (I'm definitely not a health professional in any sense), it only occurs after you are asleep and you are not aware of it happening. If your doctor was of the same opinion, he/she would not order any tests.
The same goes for the hypnic jerks. They are easy to diagnose, but after that there is no treatment other than reassurance that they are 'normal' - even if you get them once awake in the morning.
Nevertheless, you should always consult your doctor if in doubt over a health condition. I would hope that the doctor is not laughing at you or trying to belittle you in any way - their smile might be more of an attempt to reassure you.
I agree with Hanshan (as always :)).
Your GP can give you an ECG which would show up any abnormalities with your heart.
I also have "health anxiety" and once something is in my head I am convinced something is seriously wrong. I too used to be terrified about the Hypnic Jerks but when I investigated it and spoke at length to my GP I began to understand how anxiety exacerbates everything. At one period a few years ago EVERYTIME I saw her I would make her listen to my heart because I was convinced something was wrong with me. You are not alone with your concerns...................BUT these jerks are normal and will lessen as your anxiety gets under control. I am not a DR. If your GP is not taking your worries seriously then go to another one.......you will be OK.
Sarah
Hi and thanks again guys for your helpful info...
I also wanted to ask about this period a few hours before my next dose is due, where i feel like i am "coming down" so to speak. Its like the medicine is wearing off and i am becoming more anxious. Is this normal after a week or so? I take it at about 10:30am and 9:30pm. Any ideas?
Also I have been relatively ok up to now compared to a few weeks/ months ago...(aside from tiredness and feeling like a zombie) but im concerned that my body is now becoming used to the Pregabalin and its not being as effective. I know I am on a small dose (25mg x 2) and I was hoping to stay on as small a dose as possible and be as stable and anxious free as possible as I am going on holiday in 3 weeks and really want to try and enjoy it
Thanks again!!
Pregabalin has a short half life of around seven hours - this will vary from person to person. In particular, when starting up pregabalin, or increasing a dosage, it may be beneficial to take pregabalin three times a day to even out bumps. Over time, residual pregabalin builds up in the body, making divided doses less necessary.
I've been taking pregabalin for around three years - albeit at the maximum dose - without feeling any need to increase dosage.
Hi Guys, Just an update....
I had two or three days waking up with no jerks at all... which was so nice and relieveing. Unfortunately today the alarm went off at 9am and i was still really tired from yesterday (3 hour Boat trip down to Hampton Court Palace), so i tried to get some more sleep. I had a little success, but i started to get the infamous jerks again. Quite strange as I had a few days of nothing, then theyre back today.
I noticed when Im having them that my muscles are quite tensed up and not relaxed. Its strange because the last few days I have been much less anxious and more relaxed, and I thought that had reflected in the lessening of the jerks, although they came back this morning. Very odd.
Thanks again guys!
Hi,
Funnily enough I had a very long (but good) day yesterday and felt like a nap this afternoon and got the jerks for an hour!!! I find they are worse when I have overdone it a little. Perhaps that is what happened to you....just a thought. Particularly as you say you had a few days without them. Well done:D
Sarah
Thanks for your reply SarahH....
I think that is a possibility... that I overdid it.A bit off topic, but I find if i sit for too long, my back starts to hurt. Its been hurting more since Saturday and today was a bit better, although i had a strange "electric" pain down my arms into my fingers after sitting at the computer for a couple of hours... Certainly nerve pain, although it only lasted about 10 mins. Strange as I haven't felt that kind of electric pain for quite some time and I started worrying again, although not massively.
This morning I woke up to my old telephones alarm going off at 7am, I then decided to stay in bed until 8am but not sleep, just relax. I find if i am awake i dont get those nasty jerks and thats how it panned out... no jerks. Nice!
I also downloaded some software for my phone which analyses your sleep by movements and noise. Interesting to see how much deep sleep you get. Thought it might be useful to see if theres anything out of the ordinary with my sleep patterns, but so far nothing major.
Hi Eldimoni,
Another thought is to have some relaxing music to listen to handy when you wake up.
When I was looking at some information on the TENS electronic devices, I came across transcranial direct current brain stimulation used for anxiety and depression. Hmmm... probably a step too far even for me.
Lower back pain??? Yes that is a VERY common symptom of anxiety. I get it when my anxiety in high and then it can dissapear instantly when the anxiety goes!!!
Just a strange question...why dont you get up in the morning when you wake? Or do you wake in the early hours of the morning?
Sarah
Hi Hanshan and SarahH,
I do try to relax as much as possible when i get up and maybe the music idea is a good one. I may try that.....
This episode of anxiety has lasted about 10 months now. It all started because of my back pain. Its not lower back pain, its around my neck and around my shoulder blade and shoulder, especially along the top and also sometimes down my arm, all on the left side.
I initially started freaking out because i didn't know what it was and thought it might be serious (related to a c6 herniation in my neck as my GP said it was likely). I still haven't had a proper diagnosis (no scans/tests) and Im not so sure its entirely related to my neck issue as the pain isn't always there. Most of the pain doesn't feel like I imagine nerve pain to be (although there is definitely some of that occasionally as it is a sharp electric pain, very distinct).
It seems to be worse if im anxious for a period, or if i walk or sit too long. Its strange as when it gets worse, the areas feel inflamed and it sounds like something inside is "cracking" or catching on something. I think its called crepitus.
There are a few things it could possibly be and Im definitely getting it looked at with more resolve when Im in Thailand a few weeks from now. Its relatively cheap and they will do all the diagnostics and hopefully give me an answer as to what exactly the problem is. There may or may not be a more efficient treatment for it. Fingers crossed!:)
For me, the pain is the thing that keeps pulling me back into the anxious state. Sometimes the flare ups aren't so bad and i can manage, but when it gets bad I start to freak out a bit. Its just my automatic response and Im aware of it. Im fairly sure if i could resolve the issue, the anxiety would be far more manageable.
With regards to getting up in the morning... its a hard one to answer. Theres no real reason why i cant just get up, only that sometimes it feels like its a bit too early (not like 4am early). That being said, the last few days i have stayed awake, but relaxing if i wake up early. The jerks only really happen if im falling asleep again after i wake up.
Thanks for reading guys!
Hi Eldimoni,
No worries. We're all here to help each other (although I've occasionally met some people who don't seem to share that opinion).
Actually, I should take my own advice about the music. In the past, I had a clock radio that I could set to a radio station so it would wake me to music each morning. At the moment, I've just got a clock that emits a series of beeps that get increasingly faster. When that first beep comes in the morning, the effect can be almost like an electric shock all by itself. So I'm definitely thinking of looking for something that can wake me to music.
Hope all goes well in Thailand. They may also be able to suggest or refer you to some treatments still not part of western medicine.
The pain/anxiety cycle is difficult to break. I hope Thailand is successful for you
Good luck
Sarah
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