anxiety and disorientation help!
The past couple days I've been feeling a new symptom of disorientation. I've had it before in times of panic attacks, but now it seems to be a regular symptom that's just there. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like someone picked up my house and turned it around. Rooms feel strange to me, things like doors feel like they should be on the other side of the room. I'm not really getting dizzy spells, just the feeling that things are off and unfamiliar. Mostly my sense of direction feels strange. It's really worrying me because I've never had it before like this. I am on lexapro and I just started that 2 weeks ago. I was wondering if it may be a side effect or if it's just another crazy anxiety symptom. It's making me feel like I'm losing my mind, have a brain tumor or MS. I'm doing everything I can today to calm down and not go to the ER. I'm afraid if I did go that I wouldn't even be able to get there because my sense of direction is so off. It's not constant, but it's happening several times a day and is definitely worse if I think about it. Anyone ever have similar feelings?
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Guest
I used to feel like gravity did not apply to me. How's that for being special??
Anyway-
check your breathing. And check the pollen levels in your area. Could you have allergy symptoms that are clogging up your sinus' or ears?
I'm a pharmacist and want to let you know to feel free to call one or several and ask them about newly starting Lexapro, and any symptoms that are common for that. I highly doubt that you suddenly developed a brain tumor or MS. But- I have empathy for that brain track that you are on.
If you check it out and get the all clear from the pharmacist, get a nasal rinse kit from Walgreen's to rinse your sinus' so that is covered and then find something to do besides think about your house spinning like Dorothy's. Focusing on others helps me so much-- like volunteer to read at the library or fold church bulletins or anything where you think of concrete things, not what-ifs.
A guy on this site has a great tag line on his name-- "common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras." I think that applies here very well.
Take care.
Anyway-
check your breathing. And check the pollen levels in your area. Could you have allergy symptoms that are clogging up your sinus' or ears?
I'm a pharmacist and want to let you know to feel free to call one or several and ask them about newly starting Lexapro, and any symptoms that are common for that. I highly doubt that you suddenly developed a brain tumor or MS. But- I have empathy for that brain track that you are on.
If you check it out and get the all clear from the pharmacist, get a nasal rinse kit from Walgreen's to rinse your sinus' so that is covered and then find something to do besides think about your house spinning like Dorothy's. Focusing on others helps me so much-- like volunteer to read at the library or fold church bulletins or anything where you think of concrete things, not what-ifs.
A guy on this site has a great tag line on his name-- "common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras." I think that applies here very well.
Take care.
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Guest
thanks for your suggestions. I have been using a nasal rinse for about a week already because of some sinus issues. One doctor said I had a sinus infection and one just said it was allergies...who to believe??
On the other hand, now that I've been thinking about it, for the past two months I've been getting feelings of things being turned around off and on. Like driving on the right side of the road felt strange a few times. Even sitting on the drivers side felt like it was opposite of what it should be. I been having fears that I'm going to forget how to drive or if I'll remember how to get home. I think I'm going nuts or really do have some illness...it's never ending.
On the other hand, now that I've been thinking about it, for the past two months I've been getting feelings of things being turned around off and on. Like driving on the right side of the road felt strange a few times. Even sitting on the drivers side felt like it was opposite of what it should be. I been having fears that I'm going to forget how to drive or if I'll remember how to get home. I think I'm going nuts or really do have some illness...it's never ending.
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Guest
Well- at least you know it's not from the Lexapro if it was happening before you even started the med.
Sounds like ol' anxiety to me. And having a sinus infection/allergies will clog your head and ears and make you feel funny on top of it.
It "feels" like it's never ending, but you can end it. When you feel weird, tell yourself to stop dwelling and get busy doing. Use the cognitive part of your brain to sing, or dance or knit or cook or do math or whatever. It will take all the attention off the what-ifs. Soon the what-ifs will give up if you don't give them attention.
Sounds like ol' anxiety to me. And having a sinus infection/allergies will clog your head and ears and make you feel funny on top of it.
It "feels" like it's never ending, but you can end it. When you feel weird, tell yourself to stop dwelling and get busy doing. Use the cognitive part of your brain to sing, or dance or knit or cook or do math or whatever. It will take all the attention off the what-ifs. Soon the what-ifs will give up if you don't give them attention.
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Guest
NewRunner -
Hey! I know the guy that uses that tag line, LOL!
Something else you wrote caught my eye. You mentioned that you used to feel like gravity didn't apply to you. That's a fear I have as well that goes along with a sense of vertigo. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going to fall right of the planet! I've gotten partially over it simply by allowing myself to get used to the feeling over the past few years. But what did you do to finally beat that fear? I realize that it's a silly fear and that no matter how afraid I get, the laws of physics aren't going to stop working. But that wild imagination of mind just keeps on creating this stuff...
Jamie
Hey! I know the guy that uses that tag line, LOL!
Something else you wrote caught my eye. You mentioned that you used to feel like gravity didn't apply to you. That's a fear I have as well that goes along with a sense of vertigo. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going to fall right of the planet! I've gotten partially over it simply by allowing myself to get used to the feeling over the past few years. But what did you do to finally beat that fear? I realize that it's a silly fear and that no matter how afraid I get, the laws of physics aren't going to stop working. But that wild imagination of mind just keeps on creating this stuff...
Jamie
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Guest
KellyZ -
I have to agree with NewRunner that you're experiencing depersonalization. It can either produce that feeling of a dreamlike state or the sense that things just don't feel right. I get these sensations a lot, usually when I'm ramping up towards a panic attack but before I get there. I occasionally get them when I'm feeling relatively calm as well.
One of the symptoms of depersonalization that I get is that I'll look in the mirror or look down at my hands and feel like I'm looking at someone else. It's quite unsettling. But I recognize it's just a symptom of my anxiety, I'm not going crazy, and the feelings will pass.
As I'm sure you've figured out, the more you pay attention to these feelings, the stronger and more uncomfortable they become. So my best advice is to find a way to distract yourself. If you can become totally involved in something else, you will likely forget about the uncomfortable sensations and they will go away on there own. It works pretty well for me.
Jamie
I have to agree with NewRunner that you're experiencing depersonalization. It can either produce that feeling of a dreamlike state or the sense that things just don't feel right. I get these sensations a lot, usually when I'm ramping up towards a panic attack but before I get there. I occasionally get them when I'm feeling relatively calm as well.
One of the symptoms of depersonalization that I get is that I'll look in the mirror or look down at my hands and feel like I'm looking at someone else. It's quite unsettling. But I recognize it's just a symptom of my anxiety, I'm not going crazy, and the feelings will pass.
As I'm sure you've figured out, the more you pay attention to these feelings, the stronger and more uncomfortable they become. So my best advice is to find a way to distract yourself. If you can become totally involved in something else, you will likely forget about the uncomfortable sensations and they will go away on there own. It works pretty well for me.
Jamie
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Guest
SeaRunner-
Hi Jamie- I love your quote. In fact, it's on a postit note on my cupboard in my kitchen. It does help.
Re: gravity not applying to me. I guess I felt that when I was a newbie to anxiety and didn't know what the heck was going on. So- I made the mistake of hiding it and the anxiety got bigger. I'm not exactly sure how I got over it. I learned about proper breathing, have really gotten into exercise and gotten used to a high heart rate and feeling hot and sweaty, and my faith in God has increased tremendously. I'm getting it that God is in control, and if He wants to shut off gravity He can and He hasn't yet, so I'm not going to worry about it. Plus, I love how the human body works (I'm a pharmacist) and I know that if I do feel dizzy, I can sit or lay down and that will help, and dizzy does not equal death. Realistically, I don't think I've ever been dizzy. Just had the fear of the unknown.
thanks for all the thoughtful posts that you make on this site. You add alot to it-- level headed advice and tender caring. I appreciate you.
Hi Jamie- I love your quote. In fact, it's on a postit note on my cupboard in my kitchen. It does help.
Re: gravity not applying to me. I guess I felt that when I was a newbie to anxiety and didn't know what the heck was going on. So- I made the mistake of hiding it and the anxiety got bigger. I'm not exactly sure how I got over it. I learned about proper breathing, have really gotten into exercise and gotten used to a high heart rate and feeling hot and sweaty, and my faith in God has increased tremendously. I'm getting it that God is in control, and if He wants to shut off gravity He can and He hasn't yet, so I'm not going to worry about it. Plus, I love how the human body works (I'm a pharmacist) and I know that if I do feel dizzy, I can sit or lay down and that will help, and dizzy does not equal death. Realistically, I don't think I've ever been dizzy. Just had the fear of the unknown.
thanks for all the thoughtful posts that you make on this site. You add alot to it-- level headed advice and tender caring. I appreciate you.
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Guest
Hi Kellyz,
I'm so sorry you have to go through such a hard time. I'm responding to your posting due to I feel I can relate to your symptoms. I too have been experiencing disorientation, but I not only have panic/anxiety/depression, I also have fibromyalgia, therefore one of my many doctors told me recently this is due to fibrofog. I know you may not have that, but it took a while to figure that one out. I use to take lexapro, I did very well on it, since this is a new medication for you, I would at least contact your physician to make sure your not having serious side effects. I suggest this because I've tried so many different meds, and had horrible side effects, so make sure you at least rule that out. When I first started feeling like you, doctors checked me for MS, Petuitary tumor, Lupus, and many other illnesses, thank goodness everything came back normal. I'm learning anxiety can control your mind and body, I feel it brought on my Fibromyalgia. So don't give into it, find out why your having these symptoms, and tackle it. I wish you well, Blessings!
I'm so sorry you have to go through such a hard time. I'm responding to your posting due to I feel I can relate to your symptoms. I too have been experiencing disorientation, but I not only have panic/anxiety/depression, I also have fibromyalgia, therefore one of my many doctors told me recently this is due to fibrofog. I know you may not have that, but it took a while to figure that one out. I use to take lexapro, I did very well on it, since this is a new medication for you, I would at least contact your physician to make sure your not having serious side effects. I suggest this because I've tried so many different meds, and had horrible side effects, so make sure you at least rule that out. When I first started feeling like you, doctors checked me for MS, Petuitary tumor, Lupus, and many other illnesses, thank goodness everything came back normal. I'm learning anxiety can control your mind and body, I feel it brought on my Fibromyalgia. So don't give into it, find out why your having these symptoms, and tackle it. I wish you well, Blessings!
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Guest
Hi, you guys give great advice! for years I kept my anxiety a secret, and I really thought that I was the only one with feelings of depersonalization and that loss of reality or spacey feeling-it was terrifiying to me but with this program and reading all your experiences it really helps.
Kellyz - I also think that it's anxiety, but if it's not getting better with your breathing techniques and the positive self-talks then I would go see a doctor just to check, you never know it might me an inner ear infection along with a side effect of your new meds - Good luck!
Newrunner - you said you learned how to get used to a high heart rate without panicking? how did you do that? As soon as my heart starts beating fast I start feeling strange and weak, I know it's because of my anxiety. I had open heart surgery when I was 5 and my parents told me that I couldn't run, couldn't skip rope or lift anything until I healed but because my anxiety and panic attacks started when I was about 8 years old, all my life I've been afraid. I know my heart is fine now, I've had lots of EKGs done and my colesterol is good but I still feel I could get a heart attack, so what is your secret I want to beat this anxiety once and for all.
Kellyz - I also think that it's anxiety, but if it's not getting better with your breathing techniques and the positive self-talks then I would go see a doctor just to check, you never know it might me an inner ear infection along with a side effect of your new meds - Good luck!
Newrunner - you said you learned how to get used to a high heart rate without panicking? how did you do that? As soon as my heart starts beating fast I start feeling strange and weak, I know it's because of my anxiety. I had open heart surgery when I was 5 and my parents told me that I couldn't run, couldn't skip rope or lift anything until I healed but because my anxiety and panic attacks started when I was about 8 years old, all my life I've been afraid. I know my heart is fine now, I've had lots of EKGs done and my colesterol is good but I still feel I could get a heart attack, so what is your secret I want to beat this anxiety once and for all.
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Guest
Kelly,
If you have been feeling this way after 2 weeks of taking the med,if it,the feelings level out,give it a couple of days if not contact your Doc,,,It may help also to monitor your salt intake !!!!!!What side effects can this medication cause?
Escitalopram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
drowsiness
increased sweating
dizziness
heartburn
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dry mouth
increased appetite
flu-like symptoms
runny nose
sneezing
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or
headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.
Less serious side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
mild nausea, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation;
weight changes;
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
dry mouth, yawning, ringing in your ears.
If you have been feeling this way after 2 weeks of taking the med,if it,the feelings level out,give it a couple of days if not contact your Doc,,,It may help also to monitor your salt intake !!!!!!What side effects can this medication cause?
Escitalopram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
drowsiness
increased sweating
dizziness
heartburn
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dry mouth
increased appetite
flu-like symptoms
runny nose
sneezing
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or
headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.
Less serious side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
mild nausea, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation;
weight changes;
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
dry mouth, yawning, ringing in your ears.