Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Sep 19, 2011, 5:47 pm
Image via WikipediaA lot's happened since I last posted. The reason for such a delay in posting has to do with my medication changes. After a lot of thought, I decided to stop taking lexapro and go back to effexor. That was a huge deal since I ranted for so long about going off effexor. It was hard ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Jul 31, 2011, 8:37 pm
Two days ago I took my last Seroquel pill and started Zopiclone. It was a pain stopping the Seroquel; I was tapering off for months it seems. Now that I'm done with it, there's a sense of relief. But also disappointment as Zopiclone does not seem to be working for me. One person said that Zopiclone ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Jul 28, 2011, 6:47 pm
Image via WikipediaToday, after months of waiting for an appointment with a new psychiatrist, I went full of anxiety. On the way there I resisted the urge to take my emergency Ativan. At least, until I got really close. After looking for a spot to park, I was frustrated that I had to park on the hos... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Jul 1, 2011, 9:38 am
Every once in a while I feel the need (or urge) to take a break from my blog. Sometimes I just get fed up with my disorder and want to forget about it for a while and hence the avoidance. But I'm back now as I realized that I feel better when I air things out and thank you all for sticking around. :... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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May 7, 2011, 8:26 pm
Image via WikipediaTomorrow will be a month since I went of Effexor and I hate to admit this but I feel so much worse. I'm not in withdrawal anymore, at least I don't think so but my agoraphobia is so much worse that I don't know what to do. In my frustration I actually considered GOING BACK ON EFFE... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 18, 2011, 6:06 pm
I was on my way here when I freaked out today. I took this
picture a year ago when I went to Granville Island. I didn't
even get close to this intersection today.I don't know what is happening but I feel so agoraphobic again and it's pissing me off. A month ago I was able to drive down... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 18, 2011, 6:05 pm
I was on my way here when I freaked out today. I took this
picture a year ago when I went to Granville Island. I didn't
even get close to this intersection today.I don't know what is happening but I feel so agoraphobic again and it's pissing me off. A month ago I was able to drive down... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 10, 2011, 2:49 am
Today, unlike yesterday, was a great day. I expected to feel as crappy as yesterday but after about 15 hours of sleep, I felt great. No withdrawal symptoms at all. I was so shocked and relieved. I'm finally free of effexor. I was instantly reminded of this song by The Who, called I'm Free. Very fitt... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 9, 2011, 1:03 am
It's been a long day. I felt foggy since early afternoon. I still feel foggy, I have flu-like symptoms, feel a little lightheaded. All day I felt like I couldn't keep my eyes open, but when I closed them, I didn't feel like I could go to sleep. Today is the first day I didn't take my regular effex... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 7, 2011, 3:20 am
Image by Sonja DuporI can't believe it's been two years since I started this blog. Two years is plenty in internet time, I guess. I've abandoned this blog on more than one occasion for whatever reason (lack of inspiration, feeling like there was nothing meaningful for me to say, feeling like nobody ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 4, 2011, 12:51 am
Image via WikipediaI just added a bunch of CBT Worksheets which you can find by clicking on 'CBT' in the navigation. Many thanks go to Carol Vivyan from Get Self-Help for allowing me to use her worksheets on this site. If the page is taking too long to load, let me know and I'll make a separate pa... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 31, 2011, 3:52 am
Image via FlickrAh, nutrition. Most of us with anxiety probably already know which foods to eat and which to avoid. I know this myself, yet rarely do I follow these nutritional 'rules.' For those who want to know what to avoid and what to eat more of, here it is. I received this booklet while partic... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 26, 2011, 12:52 am
I've put the images below the post and minimized the size so that whoever wants to avoid seeing them can do so. Also, here is a link to PETA's take on pigeon racing. I realize that not everyone supports PETA in all its efforts, but animals being used for human hobbies is just unacceptable to me.
... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 24, 2011, 1:26 am
Third time's a charm. Or is it fourth? No matter. I finally feel that I will so be done with this drug. I've been tapering since Monday last Tuesday. That's when I ran out of lexapro and needed a refill. I had to see another doctor and he totally gave me a panic attack, lol. I don't know why, but e... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 20, 2011, 12:25 am
Image by Sonja DuporWe got the results of my dad's biopsy (pancreas) a couple of days ago. It was inconclusive. The good news is that there was nothing to see and the bad news is that the specialist wants to do another one in case there is something he missed. He just wants to double check everythin... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 18, 2011, 7:16 pm
Image via WikipediaPeople here in Vancouver and along the BC coast are panicking about radiation exposure following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. According to a local newspaper, potassium iodide pills and Geiger counters are flying off the shelves. And it's happening in the US, too.
For... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 11, 2011, 5:51 pm
Last night, after taking 2mg of Ativan, I thought about writing a pro/con list of long term use of the drug. But I was too sleepy to do it then, so I did it this morning. I can still feel the effects of the drug, which I like. I try really hard not to use it but keep it with me as a security blanket... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 10, 2011, 5:40 pm
I just discovered this site yesterday and it's awesome. This site beats Facebook. It's not the same but like Facebook you can connect with friends and find people who have a lot in common with you. It's called Experience Project and you can share your stories anonymously and find people who ha... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 8, 2011, 11:30 pm
Today was one of those bad days. And it just happened that I was supposed to go somewhere with my sister and since I wasn't feeling up to doing anything, I told her I wouldn't go with her. I felt very on edge. On days like this, when I haven't slept properly and my appetite is off, I can almost tast... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 1, 2011, 12:51 pm
I hate this goddamn drug. My life has been turned upside down ever since I began tapering off. And that was only a few days ago. I can’t sleep, I have no appetite, I’m unbelievably constipated, my head is foggy and I’m anxious. I can’t stand this. I wish there was a class action lawsuit ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Feb 14, 2011, 9:31 pm
Image via WikipediaA few days ago I felt brave enough to again try tapering off Effexor. Every other day I would take the lowest dose of 37.5mg until my system gets used to the lower dosage. Yesterday I started experiencing a new withdrawal symptom: eye twitching. At least it's not brain zaps as oth... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Feb 11, 2011, 8:05 pm
Image via WikipediaFor the last few months I've been working with a nonprofit organization here in the Lower Mainland who help people with barriers to employment find jobs. Since I hadn't worked in a long time, I had a hard time finding anything so I decided to do a sort of practicum. The organizati... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Feb 10, 2011, 4:53 pm
Image via WikipediaI'm doing relatively great on the Lexapro. I can definitely tell that my panic attacks have decreased in number and intensity since starting this medication. I feel as though there is a shield in my mind that blocks the kind of thoughts that would trigger a panic attack. Still, I ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Dec 26, 2010, 10:46 pm
A little bit of constipation and nausea today. I had little appetite and so didn't eat much, which usually leads to anxiety. And I experienced some today. The side effects are manageable. Less yawning today.
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Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Dec 26, 2010, 10:44 pm
Yesterday was the third day since I started taking lexapro. No major side effects at all. The only thing I noticed was the yawning. I just couldn't stop yawning for some reason. I fell asleep relatively quickly, so no insomnia side effects.
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Sonja D. posted an article on
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Dec 23, 2010, 10:38 pm
As per my previous post, I started taking Cipralex (Lexapro) 5mg yesterday. I had some side effects, mainly a little fogginess and some anxiety. No major issues today.
Current Medications I'm Taking:
Effexor XR – 75mg/day
Propranolol – 10mg/day
Seroquel – 75mg/day
Cipralex – ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Dec 22, 2010, 11:11 pm
Image via WikipediaI just read up on Serotonin Syndrome and I'm sure I'm not experiencing that. According to Wikipedia, serotonin syndrome has a rapid onset. Within minutes, it says. I don't have dilated pupils, I'm not sweating, I was shivering a bit but not any more. I don't have an increased hear... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
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Dec 22, 2010, 11:02 pm
I saw my doctor today again (my GP) since my psychiatrist closed my file without telling me, no less. Or maybe I forgot. Anyway, my GP looked over my file and saw that the psychiatrist said it was okay for me to take Lexapro or Escitalopram or Cipralex or whatever the name is along with the Effexor.... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Nov 30, 2010, 3:59 pm
It’s been a while since I last posted to this blog. After the assessment with the psychiatrist, I decided to accept a referral to a therapist that works out of the same place (Vancouver General Hospital – Cross Cultural Psychiatry Clinic) but by the time my appointment time rolled around, I had ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Aug 6, 2010, 3:55 pm
The psychiatric assessment went better than I thought it would. I was too nervous to drive so I decided to let my sister take me to the appointment. I kept my anxiety completely under control through light downtown traffic. The assessment itself went well. The psychiatrist I saw was young and very e... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Aug 4, 2010, 1:59 am
I'm sitting here in front of my computer, thinking about tomorrow. My family doc referred me to another psychiatrist, only this time I didn't ask him to. He's sending me for a psychiatric assessment as he at a loss of how to help me further. I think I talked about this in my last post.
Anyway,... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Jul 12, 2010, 7:04 pm
I don't know what I wrote in my last post and it doesn't really matter since that was months ago. Whatever my mood was then is not the mood I am in now. Actually, right now I am so mellow that I may fall asleep before finishing this post.
For the last few weeks I have been doing reasonably we... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Apr 12, 2010, 9:47 pm
Image by Tayrawr Fortune via FlickrI ended my relationship with Dr. B today. I just couldn't work with her any longer. I felt worse after seeing her at times. I felt pushed and bullied into taking pills for weight loss when my main concern was my panic attacks. She was bossy and inflexible and not a... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 19, 2010, 4:41 pm
I am feeling much better today. No dizziness. Upping the Effexor back to 75mg did the trick. I had a feeling I was tapering off too fast.
Dr. B finally called me back a little while ago. She sounded a bit pissed. I think it's because I didn't pick up the Wellbutrin yet. She said that if I had,... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 18, 2010, 11:10 pm
I am so grateful that I have this blog to bitch and moan sometimes. This past week has been just horrific. I am so angry because I can't seem to figure out what is causing me this never-ending dizziness. It starts the moment I wake up and does not abate until I crash. And my doctor has been no hel... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 11, 2010, 11:47 pm
I've been doing a lot of exposure therapy ever since I started seeing Dr. B. The Ativan is helping to keep my anxiety and panic levels down but the withdrawal from the Effexor is getting in the way. The nausea and dizziness is there every single day. Within about an hour of taking Effexor (the reduc... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 7, 2010, 4:14 pm
Since I was feeling less anxious with these new medications my doctor put me on, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone. I took it slow the first day and only went to Commercial Drive (a diverse ethnic area of Vancouver and a unique shopping and dining neighborhood) with my sister who had to ru... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 4, 2010, 4:28 pm
I stumbled onto this website (DailyStrength) earlier today and signed up. What made me want to do it was looking over the discussions and seeing that the forums were very active and current. I've been on other forums that haven't been updated since last year and I wanted to be able to talk to other ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 2, 2010, 5:51 pm
I had my second appointment with Dr. B last Friday the 26th and it was a pretty emotional meeting. Before I even mentioned to her that I was thinking of applying for disability, I had a feeling of what she would say even though I had only known her for an hour. I don't know whether her dismissal of ... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Mar 1, 2010, 12:42 am
I finally got a referral for a private psychiatrist and had a first appointment on February 19. Right off the bat, Dr. B told me that Effexor XR (which I had been taking for years) does not work and that none of her patients had ever gotten better on it. So, she switched me to Seroquel and Ativan wh... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Nov 30, 2009, 4:42 pm
I haven't written to this blog in a while so I thought it was time for an update. I was feeling better for a little while but then this recession has hit me really hard. I feel pressured into looking for work even though I can barely leave my house. I can travel somewhat freely in my own neighborhoo... Comment - Like
Sonja D. posted an article on
Panicked-Chick
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Sep 15, 2009, 2:29 am
I decided to quit smoking four days ago. For the last few months it's been very difficult to sustain my nicotine addiction because it's so goddamn expensive. And I'm tired of being a slave to cigarettes. I want to be in control. I don't want to waste the little money I have on cigarettes. The second... Comment - Like
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