Tuesday, January 6, 2009

MS + Copaxone = ANXIETY



I started experiencing attacks of anxiety before I went on a hiatus from blogging. In the beginning, I thought maybe, I was doing too much…blogging, school, accepting board appointments, and helping in the Mayor's campaign among my personal daily duties. By the way, my candidate WON :)

I awaken one morning from a night sleep and I immediately felt panicky and fearful. The feeling last a few minutes, but I was complex to why I was feeling that way. As I continued with my day, I noticed I was feeling panicky and fearful through out my day. I did not associate what I was feeling to ANXIETY, I just knew something was not right to feel something terrible was about to happen and it was out of character for me. I brushed it off as residual effects from wearing a morphine patch for a year and suddenly stopping a few months earlier.

Waking up feeling fear and panic went on for weeks and it intensified to the point, I knew I had to get to the bottom as to WHY. I did not like what it was doing to me, it was starting to affect my life to the point I was afraid of being home alone, driving, and leaving my home. I was at the point of despair hiding this creature ANXIETY that invaded my thoughts and body.

Many times, I thought I was going to lose control of taming the creature within when I was out in public, therefore, I cancelled appointments, stopped blogging, and if I were not taking online courses, I would have quit school. Realistically, I knew nothing was going to happen, but this creature was paralyzing me. I start realizing keeping quiet was giving the creature within power.

I began taking that power back when I told my husband what I was going through. Of course, his response was to make an appointment with my therapist. I agreed, but the creature had me paralyzed to the point I could not drive without feeling as if I was having a heart attack. I was ready to have myself committed to get control of the creature within. I called my therapist and told him how I was afraid to leave my house and drive because I physically felt as if I was going to die. I asked him, “If I checked myself in the hospital could he see me then because I cannot keep going like this”. Unfortunately I could not check my self in for severe Anxiety because I was not suicidal or a harm to others, which is fortunate.

My next course of action to fight the creature was a visit to my primary care doctor and neurologist. It is no secret there is a drug for all ailments that invade our body. Once again, I was semi scolded by my primary care doctor and neurologist for waiting weeks to let them know Anxiety was kicking my ass. My primary care doctor asked me, “Is anxiety a side effect of Copaxone.” I responded, “I don’t recall anxiety being a side effect of Copaxone, but I will look into it.” My neurologist confirmed anxiety is a side effect of Copaxone and anxiety is associated living with multiple sclerosis. I was prescribed Cymbalta 60mg to control my anxiety creature. Cymbalta was good for my neurological pain because I use to take it, but I did not know it was also to control anxiety. It took three weeks for Cymbalta to get in my system, tame the creature, and start gaining control of my life again. As of today, I have been taking Cymbalta for two months and I plan to continue taking it until a side effect rear its head from taking it.

So many different side effects come with taking medication. It is not as if I did not know, but I have to remember that a side effect from a drug can happen at any time while I am taking it. I promised myself, when I am out of character; I will not wait until it become critical before I notify my primary care doctor or neurologist. Do not be a hard head like me, when you feel out of character get in touch with your doctor.

11 comments:

Synchronicity said...

This is such good advice...I am a waiter too. I hate going in to see the doctor. This is an excellent post to tell people that this could be a side effect of copaxone. I didn't know this.

Happy New Year to you...I wish you good health.

Tia's Real Talk said...

Happy New Year girl..I've missed you!!

Satan is a lie! He wants to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to allienate you so he can play with your head. I am sooo happy you are better. I use to take Copaxone and I did have a panic attack. Never contecting the two. I felt panic, rush, I'm forgetting something, something I am to do right now or I will die! I was at work and that was terrible! Please read my new years testimony! And share with anyone who needs encouragement!

Lisa Emrich said...

D.,

I'm so glad that you did eventually call your doctors. Anxiety is not something to mess with.

I spent about nine months experiencing anxiety and taking Xanax XL which helped me get back into life. This was before MS was official.

It's good to have you back on the blog and I'm glad that you're feeling better. :)

Lisa

Denver Refashionista said...

That ugly anxiety creature has had a good hold on me off and on for months. I take Klonopin for panic attacks and it really helps. I also take it in small amounts if I even think I might feel anxious. I have noticed that as long as I don't wait to take it until I am already immersed completely in panic that I feel much better. I hope you keep feeling better too because anxiety can really undo a person.

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Sergio Negrinnie said...

hey great picture is very interesting thanks for share it!!! and this information is very interesting!!! MS + Copaxone = ANXIETY and I would like to know if you have Generic Viagra Information this medicament can produce me anxiety!!???

Blinders Off said...

Sergio Negrinnie,

I know nothing about Viagra; I have no need for it. There are meds that helps with anxiety nwtsbtr mentioned xanax; I personally know it helps with anxiety. Cymbalta also helps with anxiety if you doctor is squeamish about prescribing xanax.

Patrick D said...

Hello great information I also want to add information on your blog Another view is that anxiety is "a future-oriented mood state in which one is ready or prepared to attempt to cope with upcoming negative events"suggesting that it is a distinction between future vs. present dangers that divides anxiety and fear.

Anxiety is considered to be a normal reaction to stress. It may help a person to deal with a difficult situation, for example at work or at school, by prompting one to cope with it. When anxiety becomes excessive, it may fall under the classification of an anxiety disorder.

Blinders Off said...

Patrick D,

You have a valid point, but the frustrating thing about anxiety to me is it kicks in when there is no stress and no upcoming negative events.

From what I researched about MS it does causes anxiety and rightfully so, because I never know from one minute to the next how I am going to feel. MS symptoms are like a roller coaster and it took me some time to learn how to ride the MS roller coaster in order to have a life.

Thanks for sharing your comment.

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