I'm 29, mostly healthy, unfortunately I'm a cigarette smoker but I am a hypochondriac and suffer from bad anxiety. The past 6 weeks have been tough. I just recently got off Xanax after 5 weeks of daily use for panic attacks and sleep. I was taking about .25 to .5 a night. Quit last Tuesday only withdrawal symptoms was insomnia and a little night sweats. Head feels a lot clearer and I feel better. I'm now taking lexapro which I've now been on for 3 weeks. I do feel it's helping a bit and I also up the dosage from 5mg to 10mg. I'm taking trazadone for sleep also. But In the past 2 weeks I have been getting some chest cramping. Tightness in the center of my breasts, little pains here and there but I can't figure out if it's heart burn, acid indegestion, or what it can be. I know anxiety can give u tightness in the chest which I have felt many times but the cramping and tightness freaks me out! The hypochondriac part of me keeps thinkin I'm having lung issues or heart issues. It's like if it ain't one thing it's another with me. And I hate it. Does anyone have anything like that from meds? I need some reassurance. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow to make sure it's just from the meds. And hope that's the case!
Unfortunately as smokers our chest related symptoms are scarier and seem more reall as a consequence. And quitting the habit may not be an option due to the current exceptional anxiety. I have chronic chest and back tightness but since I havent' dropped dead or passed out I figure it' s just a chronic sensation that won't do me in. It's difficult to accept the chest discomfort and move on as it is so noticeable and pervaisive. Some therapy might help you to take your mind off your chest.
Thank you. And yes smoking is my only vice these days. I stopped "partying" with booze and other stuff, for the better, but now smoking is all I got and I know it's horrible, but one day I'll get there and quit, again like I have before.
But now I'mm convinced I have two smokingn related cancers, the throat and the bladder. Quitting was imppossible as all i have is to smoke.