I recently went to the ER for some shortness of breath and chest pressure that developed suddenly (like, super suddenly: I was out walking my dog, I felt something tighten in my chest, and that was that). I don't smoke, I'm average in build, I go on a brisk 30-minute walk every night, my diet isn't the best but it isn't terrible, either, so I wasn't convinced it was a respiratory thing.
They did an EKG, an X-Ray, and a blood test, and they seemed to come out clear, so I was given a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, a prescription for a low dose of Alprazolam, and sent home. The alprazolam worked when I took it, but it wore off quickly and I only had 3 days' worth. It's been about three weeks now and the shortness of breath hasn't improved or worsened, but it's starting to make me nervous, which doesn't help. I also can't yawn or orgasm, which is weird.
I'm loath to go back to the ER to get the same tests done, since it was insanely expensive and extremely stressful. I do have major depression, so anxiety wasn't too much of a stretch for me to believe, but at the time I wasn't particularly anxious aside from some work-related stress. Is it normal for the physical symptoms of anxiety to last this long? I have no idea what to do next.
Yes anxiety can do all this. Alprazolam is a great RESCUE drug...it is only supposed to work quickly and it doesn't hang around long. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about trying out Clonazepam, which is basically the same as the alprazolam except longer acting. It stays in your system longer to keep you on an even keel. It was one of the medications that worked the best for me and kept me feeling like a "normal functioning human". I was on the lowest dose and I took one in the morning and one at night. Good luck!!!
The anxiety symptoms can last for weeks after a big episode. I normally also feel very tired after. It comes and goes so hopefully you will feel better soon. I do recommend that you see your doctor for some rescue med.
I’ve had breathing issues and right chest on and off for the passed year due to anxiety. Just recently I’ve been experiencing the no orgasm deal.
Make an appointment to see your GP. He will have a correspondence from ER, your last visit.
Returning to A and E would be counterproductive
I gather you life outside the UK.
BOB
I don't have a GP yet, which complicates things, haha. But I'll definitely be going to find one ASAP.
Was it my overuse of z that gave me away?
This reassures me, thank you.
Not being able to orgasm is super demoralizing. Hope it gets better for you!
I will. I can't imagine doing this every single day.
Thank you for your input.
I'll definitely ask about clonazepam! The alprazolam knocked me flat, so I can't imagine using it while I'm going about my day, but I suppose that's what it's meant to do.
Thank you for responding.