I haven't left mine in 9 months and its driving me crazy, I feel so helpless and some days I can't stand it but when I think about getting in the car and going somewhere I feel panic and think its too far to go. Panic starts setting in and I feel like I could die if I try it.
Does anyone have anxiety so bad that they can't leave their house?
Question posted by kaylyn on 16 May 2011
Last updated on 20 April 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
127 Answers Page 9
Inactive
16 May 2011
Yes, I was like this for some two years or more in my mid-twenties. My doc put me on Xanax and let me escalate the dose as much as I needed. Then after awhile he told me he was sorry - he had learned it was just for short-term use and he had to take me off it. It took six months going to his office once a week, making a very small dose change eac week, to get off it. I went on Buspar for the anxiety, and the going out once a week to his office helped. By the end of the six months I was doing much better. This doc acted like a therapist, and gave me so much encouragement. I pray you will find what you need to get your life back again.
jancat310
26 March 2012
You are so very lucky you found a doctor that really cares. I have my regular doctor and my surgeon, and everytime I see on of them I must get wow, maybe 2 mins. of their time. I asked m doctor to please help me with the aniexty, told him what was going on in my life. Well he said that's life, you can't count on pills to help you. Think Positive. Well I am a positive person, well I used to be. But I need something to help me to relax sometimes. I don't smoke, or drink. Ok, I will stop now, sorry to ramble on.
Wanttofeelfree
5 Sep 2016
Oh my gosh. I was prescribed Xanax I was over prescribed it for like seven years and it ruined some of the best things in my life. I've been off it since mid-May still I can't get back the one person that loved me because of how I acted while I was on it. And now it's really hard to ever even consider leaving the house I just don't know what to do
Straight jacket
10 Feb 2017
I take Xanax but I'm curious as to why someone would leave you over it. What reaction did you have? Or did he leave because you were get anxious and run to it? I want to know so I can watch for similar behaviors. I'm glad you found something better.
Straight jacket
10 Feb 2017
I take Xanax but I'm curious as to why someone would leave you over it. What reaction did you have? Or did he leave because you were get anxious and run to it? I want to know so I can watch for similar behaviors. I'm glad you found something better.
caringsonbj
16 May 2011
Kay,
I had problems and in my early teen I still remember it I if I got out something terrible would happen, I had panic accompanied with aggoraphobia, I stayed in I don't know if it was 9 months but it was for a whole summer until the middle part of October, my parent's were devistated, I felt safe with only certain people, I recall I saw a therapist and was given some kind of medicine I know I felt like for sure I would die, everytime I would say that they would reinforce it with positives, finally with meds and a excellent therapist I was able to get over it, they said a lot had to do with the many health problems I had encountered but I am sure if it hadn't been for stable parenting and good therapy that I wonder what would have happened.
I think a good therapist can help you dig into the deepest part that you are not able to deal with, the meds helped but I don't think the meds alone would have helped me alone, I can tell you I still recall how horrid that was, I understand very well, you my friend are in my prayers and I do hope that you are able to get the help that makes life normal for you again. Please keep me posted, my site name is Caringsonbj my first name is Billy. Please take good care
caringsonbj
29 May 2011
Kaylin,
I in no way want this to sound like this is easy, when I posted before it was my sincere hope that if I did nothing else I was able to show you that this was horrible to say the least, I did not think that a person could go through something like this and survive, No one can have any idea the overwhelming feel that you have just feeling scared to death and you know it was hard for me to say what I was afraid of other than the feeling that it was going to kill me, I was so scared of being out and around the general public I was afraid what if I want to start running how in this world can you invision explaining that to other human beings, being inside there was just this feeling of being safe, the whole bad part of it was you never know when one of those horrible panicky feelings are going to hit and to be honest you just don't know what you would do if it happened out in a public place,
as I told you in the earlier post I did get better it took time and a lot of therapy and some help with medications, but unless you have ever been through something like this No one can start to know just how real and how awful you feel, that's been some time back and I didn't confide in others besides the therapist and my immediate family, I often wondered what would people think if they knew that I really felt this way, I'll be open and honest with you sometimes it scared me bad enough until I really wondered if I was loosing my mind, the doctor's checked my male hormones, all kinds of laboratory work which some was abnormal,It is my sincere hope that knowing that someone else has gone through this and has lived to share this with another was something I promised myself, if I run across another human who is going through this I will do everything I can to let them know that they are not alone, that someone else has been through this and lived to share the story. I think if I had been able to just hear from another person that I wasn't alone I think the person sharing this with me would have at least given me "hope", the one thing about going through something like this is you are afraid to hope, I admire the strength it has taken for you to share your story, I know from the experience I had I was so worn out and so scared it took everything I had just to get through one day to the next, again it is my sincere hope that I have been of help and a source of encouragement to you, I will keep you in my prayers and also in my thoughts. if you ever need a friend just to talk to my site name is Caringsonbj and my first name is , there are a lot of good people here who have the ability to care and to listen, and who want to see you through a difficult time, I am on here as well and am always willing to help in any way that I possibly can. (Caringsonbj)
Tonka8561
29 May 2011
That was beautiful,
IndyLady2012
30 May 2011
Billy thanks for sharing your story and caring for others the way you do.
You are a beautiful Person.Your encouraging words to someone in need is awesome.
May God Bless You far above and beyond what you could ever think or imagine.
Inactive
28 Oct 2012
Hello Billy. I hope you are doing well. Have yourself a great Sunday, pledge
LaurieShay
16 May 2011
Hey kaylyn,
I have been in your shoes to a certain extent and can honestly say that it is possible to change this behavior. I can say that medication and talk therapy have helped me tremendously. Please get an appointment with a reputable doctor and get into therapy. Ask a friend to go with you the first couple times. There are many medications that will help also but it requires being evaluated by a psychiatrist.
You can overcome this disorder with some professional help. You deserve to have a life beyond those four walls. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Inactive
16 May 2011
Kaylyn, Laurie is right. I was so bad I would not go off my porch, or felt like I was going to die or pass out. I see a doc got on some meds but I had to make myself take one step at a time. I would go a little futher, it might be 2 steps but I kept on. Then I would ride to the store with my husband, I did not get out, I felt safe in the truck. Then I went in a SMALL store and he stayed beside me, I have gotten better, can go more but I still don't drive. Vonnie. PS I WILL drive again, Im going to get WELL !!!
LaurieShay
16 May 2011
WOOO HOOO Vonnie!! You will drive again. I still say my prayers everytime I get behind the wheel but I'm driving. It can get better!!
IndyLady2012
29 May 2011
Von you will drive i know you will.
Inactive
29 May 2011
thank you ladies! Von
ponderosa1827
25 Aug 2011
thanks for the answers..I need someone to go to the stores with me until I can go by myself..I need a support system but so far I have none..I also have chronic pain and that adds to the anxiety and the depression..I am so tired of people saying just smile and do it..they are not in my shoes..
LaurieShay
25 Aug 2011
Hey ponderosa,
Here to help anyway we can. Just keep chipping away at that anxiety a little at a time by slowly adventuring out a little more each time. It will lessen after the initial high the more you try. Stay in touch,
Laurie
marcikay
21 Feb 2012
I need help! I have ptsd, gad, social phobia. My beautiful niece was murdered and I have been sexually assualted. My doc
Is cutting me back, way back on attivan. I am so anxiety ridden I can't function. Blessings
LaurieShay
21 Feb 2012
Hi marcikay,
Sounds like you definitely have some reasons for the anxiety. I highly recommend therapy and possibly discuss with your doctor one of the antidepressants that are prescribed for anxiety especially if they are going to cut back the ativan. Here to listen if you need a friend.
Laurie
LishMac
22 March 2012
Kaylyn,
I was very sick and hospitalized for a month. I was eager to go back to my hospital or hospice volunteer jobs. For some strange reason I couldn't!. I sorta felt like I would make a mistake answering the phone etc even tho I was told I could do paperwork. I wasn't afraid to go out, just felt I couldn't handle anything or have anyone depending on me. As I tried to figure it out, I came to the conclusion my illness had done something in my brain wiring. I felt even worse when my legs got weaker and weaker and now I'm bedridden. If you feel panic attacks, I do have a hopeful cure for that if you are interested...
Brighter days ahead for all... LishMac
pjbjean
26 March 2017
I've found myself sitting in the car also.
I can't even grocery shop anymore.
The last time I did... I threw everything in the basket and barely made it through checkout... which is the worst.
I did I get here??
pjbjean
26 March 2017
When I talk to my so called Therapist
She blows it over and wants me to take walks??? Her dumbass knows I've been a cross-country runner for years!!!
Then our Session ends up about her talking about her husband & New grand babies.
I think she's just billing my Insurance Company and saying f me!
LaurieShay
27 March 2017
Maybe time to investigate a new therapist.
Delila
16 May 2011
Hi, sorry to hear you're feeling so bad. Have you sought advice from your doctor about your anxiety? You haven't said if you are taking any meds to try to combat this. If you are not it could be a good idea. If you are reluctant to take prescription medication, there are other things you can try. Counselling would be a good starting point, there isn't enough recognition of the benefits counselling can provide. It could help you get to the bottom of your anxiety, maybe there is an underlying issue you need to deal with and this could in turn help with the agrophobia. Hypnotherapy can also be really helpful as well as EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). 9 months is a long time to have your life put on hold, i hope you can soon find a solution. Goodluck
Kalena Lynn
16 May 2011
Is there a family member or close friend that can drive you? Even if there is no destination in mind, just an hour out with someone is a milestone. Just remember... breathe..breathe... breathe. Baby steps are monumental steps.
ponderosa1827
19 Aug 2011
It seems like my family members have other things to do even though they mean well..they do not have the time to take me to many places..I wish that I could go shopping to the market again..but I also have panic and anxiety and fibromyalgia and neuorpathy and right now I feel like a piece of nothing..I am not feeling sorry for myself but I sure wish I had a friend who would understand and we could do some things together..
marcikay
22 Feb 2012
I understand especially the anxiety and panic attachs. Godspeed, Marcikay.
jaypee
16 May 2011
Dang,is that axiety too.i have feelings like that when i travel.like it takes me a month to prepare & i just have to do it.i cant say when im going or what day.i have 2 sike myself into going to the store even.i didnt used to be like this.i had confidence.were u n a car accident?do u take something for this?i dont go n anywhere unless i just have 2.it gets on my nerves too.when i saww this i kinda chuckled & said, now this i have to answer.i was thinking maybe i was just not in the mood 2 see anybody or deal with scociety but ur right its anxiety.ive had it all my life.well what do u think will help u?cause this has just got to stop! we have got to move foward..can someone help u?i was n a car accident & that plays a big part plus alot of dramma n my past life.until i cant handle a lot of stress & noice & pressure.just do it.we have to face our fears.let me know how u r doing ok?
jaypee
16 May 2011
I hate taking walks.its the people for me.i just dont like people anymore.there is sometimes when i just wont answer my phone for certain folks.especially if they r not surving me any purpose or i feel like they r just wrecking my nerves.there r only a few i feel safe with.do u all fell that way?im too young for this!
Inactive
16 May 2011
jaypee, its people for me too, I hate it for you but glad to know someone can relate. Vonnie
babyrose
27 July 2011
It's people that has my nerves raddled. I suffer from mental health problems and two of my three sister's think I should be locked up and not let out. They don't think I can live on my own but yet I am and love it. Everybody has some kind of anxiety and they all suffer in different ways but we all have to gang up and talk about instead of holding it in. I have anxiety somedays and you know what? I popn a piece of DARK CHOCOLATE in my mouth and go about my day. There is a chenical in it that makes people feel very good and they are happy. I keep it in my frig for those off days.
Inactive
27 July 2011
WOW, I will have to try that, thanks,
babyrose
9 Aug 2011
jaypee there are times where I want to be around a lot of people then there are times I just want to left alone but people think I am suicidual when I am alone. I want some me time but people who don't have depression get the wrong idea and that ticks me off. I have a pet now and I love my me time with her it is enjoyable.
Inactive
9 Aug 2011
jaypee, why do people think we are crazy??? Cause they haven't walked in our shoes?? I have a pet too and I enjoy her so much. My family thinks I'm crazy, don't understand, only my husband and daughter really understand. Sometimes I go weeks with out going out of the house, use to be months. Von
rpickelsimer
1 Sep 2011
Its called social anxiety. We are not the only ones that have the same problem.
julvanv
19 Jan 2013
My social anxiety/"Social Phobia" is specifically around PEOPLE. I'd always been a bit shy and had minimal social anxiety. It hit my full force when I was 19. I didn't tell a soul, thinking I was the only person in the world that experience this. At first I'd get nervous around specific people, so would go to all lengths to avoid them. I'd blush, my hands would shake, I'd get tongue tied and an extreme feeling of anxiety, fear, humiliation would overcome me. Then it spread to almost almost all people and social situations. I was afraid to go to the store or be cornered by anyone I knew, even if I really liked the individual. Then I found out that my brother was suffering from the exact same thing. I sought help through counseling and a psychiatrist for medications. (along with the social phobia came horrible depressions too) I tried so many different medications and none them helped me except Clonipin.
OK, this next disclosure might strike up a lot of controversy, but finally my pdoc tried me on Nardil (MAOI) and after three weeks, it was like Bamn! Somebody turned the lights on! It has been the only drug that had helped my depression and significantly reduced my social phobia. My pdoc tried Nardil as a last ditch effort, because the drug can have serious and potentially life threatening reactions with many other medications, herbal stuff and some foods. This drug is rarely prescribed. For some people though, this drug is the only drug that helps and extremely well. MAOI's Nardil/Parnate are specifically known for helping social phobia along with hard to treat depression. Argh, sorry bout the lengthy description of this medication. So, I've been on Nardil, a small dose of Clonipin and Inderal for years along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and exposure therapy. The meds are NOT a cure all. But as the drug helped me out of the depression and significantly reduced my social anxiety, then and only then, was I able to start working on going out in public, being around people with baby steps and little by little get to a place where I don't feel social anxiety at all most of the time. And lead a worthwhile and relatively symptom free life. I do still cycle into a deep depression and with it, the social anxiety returns. But not nearly as bad as I've described above. Certainly, I'd never recommend an Nardil/Parnate/Marplan (MAOI's) to ANYONE! But for me, the benefits outwegh the risks and I know all the medications and foods I need to avoid. Anyway, I feel deeply for anyone that suffers from this and hope you find some help to ease this suffering~
extremely anxious
31 Jan 2013
Hi Jaypee, I was reading your post about medications and I wanted to ask you about them. I know that for anxiety when my Dr put me on xanax it worked fine. But I'm hearing that some Dr' s don't like to put people with anxiety on xanax! I'm really worried about this because I know it helps me so much. Is it because people with anxiety have a tendency to abuse medication? Or do people with depression abuse medication? I really don't get depressed. I greet anxiety and panic and I have paranoia. But not depression. So what kind of medication would they use for anxiety to start with. As I said I just realized that I isolate myself. I'm also disabled so its awfully hard to get comfortable anywhere that isn't already arranged for a disability like mine. So that doesn't help. Anyone with advice please answer...
thinkimgoingcrazy
19 March 2013
Hi... new to this but its people for me too, talking on the phone, going to the store, doc apts, anything where I have to or there is a possibility I will have to see or speak anyone other than my bf or daughter. I have to medicate myself & practically turn myself into someone else or pretty much go on co-pilot when I have to go to work, can only handle 2 days a wk now & barely surviving that
Candy528
20 May 2013
hey! how old are you?
Greenwavegal
29 Oct 2016
I looked up this forum today because my son has a rugby game in Orlando and my anxiety is so bad that I honestly don't know if I can leave the house. I've been having a lot of anxiety the last few days debilitating panic attacks feeling guilty like I'm not doing enough I've taken on too much I'm going to disappoint my kids. This is a really important thing for my college student he wants me to be there but I am so close to texting him and making up an excuse why I can't go or just stop feeling guilty and realize that I have a real illness and today I am legitimately sick not physically but mentally. Anxiety leaving the home doesn't necessarily mean you've been inside for nine months it could just mean exactly what you said it takes you two hours sometimes a whole day just to get to the grocery store.
travistrap
5 Aug 2017
I am 26 and every time I try to leave the house which is my safe zone I start panicking and change my mind,but if I have to go I force my self to go and my head starts hurting and I start thinking that something is wrong with my heart like I am going to have a heart attack or something, I just get the feeling I am going to die but I don't.
juliecarlstan
28 March 2018
I was in a car accident, also. This triggered anxiety, and PTSD. Are you doing some kind of treatment? Even pharmaceutical? Any suggestions would be great, I was cut off my anti anxiety meds, and am having a tough time.
Inactive
16 March 2021
My panic attack started out of the blue thinking my heart will stop been this way since 1987 when no one Dr. New or cared about them.20 emergency rooms later about a year a nurse gave me .5mg of Xanax out of a sample pack Xanax was new then and I been taking them ever since because I wasn't treated right way now I can't stop taking them from thinking my heart will stop now in 60s better chance it can happen and have blood clot in lung.Dr. now think you want drugs to get high at my age it's even worse to get them.but they did save my life by knowing what was wrong with me.
Inactive
16 March 2021
My panic attack started out of the blue thinking my heart will stop been this way since 1987 when no one Dr. New or cared about them.20 emergency rooms later about a year a nurse gave me .5mg of Xanax out of a sample pack Xanax was new then and I been taking them ever since because I wasn't treated right way now I can't stop taking them from thinking my heart will stop now in 60s better chance it can happen and have blood clot in lung.Dr. now think you want drugs to get high at my age it's even worse to get them.but they did save my life by knowing what was wrong with me.
nikkinoel
16 May 2011
Kay, I've recently stopped taking Lexapro after 6 years, cold turkey, my withdraws are horrible and so is my anxiety along with my panic attacks. Today was the 1st day in almost a month I actually left my house, it was nerve racking and scary but I felt like I had to do it and honestly it was a baby step into feeling "nomal" again. Maybe you should try? Maybe start small? Walks down the street? What's making you feel like you can't?
Sorry if this is a direct response just thought id let u know you are not alone :)
Hoping for the best,
Noel
Avrahom
24 May 2011
Nikki:
RecentI, I also went cold turkey from Lexapro and experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. I wish that you feel better.
medotcom
29 May 2011
I agree Lexapro is like being hit by a tazer! The only worse "come-down" is maybe Paxil!
The avice is rock solid. Slow and steady. This is life not a race, hopefully you'll be out of the house (if just for 5 min) soon.
kd4ral
19 June 2011
yes i had all that feeling . and i got my DR to let me get back on zoloft 50 mg
and I havn't had those feeling in over six months. then you can slowly get off zoloft with no side effects..let me just say it worked for me.don't give up it you will get over this.Ifelt like i wa dieing.
Icouldbeamd
23 June 2011
I'm as smart & can talk on neurologists levels or any MD's I wanted to stop taking klonopin for years I was on it for 10 years! I tapered off from 6mg-4-2-1-0.5-0.25-0.125 to 0.125mg eod & ended up having a tonic-clonic seizure..now I'm on 50mg lyrica 3x a day & 1mg of Xanax XR been on it for 1 day! Working very well... I suggest you get on a low dose of Valium,Xanax, or lorazepam I wanted to be drug-free but like my dr said some people HAVE to be on meds for the rest of their days...
happycatsierra
25 June 2011
Lexapro has never did anything to me... I started and took it for a few months, almost a year then I quit taking it and it didn't do anything to me.. Weird...
illaIzzy
22 July 2011
"I've recently stopped taking Lexapro after 6 years, cold turkey, my withdraws are horrible and"... is your answer. you quit as abruptlly as it's now messing w/your life.
babyrose
27 July 2011
If you are going to stop taking a drug cold turkey you will have some problems but if you came off of it a little at a time then it will cause very very little problems. I would talk to your doctor first before stopping any drug because going cold turkey on some drugs can be life threatening. As for not going out for a long time then you have a problem that I had in the past. I would go outside for a few minutes each day and work your way up till you can be away from the house a lot more without a panic attack. If you can do that then each week treat yourself to something nice because you deserve it.
ponderosa1827
8 Aug 2011
I have been taken lexapro for quite a few years and the doctors keep changing and adding more and more meds sometimes more than two or three at a time. I was in the hospital and they took me off all my meds and gave me five or six other ones in the matter of days..now I went back on mty old ones and feel so depressed and anxios and cry all the time and have not been able to drive or leave my house I start sweating and crying and so scared that I do not know what to do..I use to be on prozac and they stopped me several times but I think I was doing better when I was on it..why do the doctors think that they know everything after all it is our body and we should know how we feel. I was started on a new drug that starts with an S sorry but I do not remember the name..it melts under your tongue at night and it is rasberry, but I work up feeling like I was somewhere else and after a few days I stopped it... I know that the doctor is going to be upset with me but I did not know how I could go on like this..Any help would be appreciated..Thanks
serenity0322
14 Aug 2011
I came off Lexapro as well and couldnt do anything for a few weeks until my new antidepressant started working (Remeron) and I feel this drug is helping much more than any other.
timberland
30 Aug 2011
kay, yes i have been at the point of not leaving the house or panic attacks would set in... i was able to after many months of trying new anti depressiants to start leaving ..just to the mailbox and back at first ... then to the neighbors then out to the store... and so on... keeping in touch with folks on the phone and on the internet was good support to help talk me thru... the first steps in leaving.. keep in touch with people and be willing to let people support you although i know it is hard... hope this helps... T
rpickelsimer
1 Sep 2011
yes, i am in the middle of this feeling. Dr.s are telling me I have vertigo. I have a pain management program. Due to this site I have been able to identify many drug related interactions. The last pill they added is Celexa. Now hey, for the third time, they have ask me to treat with a round of prednisone. This has helped me in the past to make through different events in my life. Anyone else out there I would live to hear your stories.
Anniegoose
25 Sep 2011
i've had anxiety attacks pretty much my whole life. earlier this year, when my thyroid disease kicked in again, i started going to a naturopath who recommended ashwagandha for the anxiety [it helps with adrenal fatigue] and nervoheel - which is a homeopathic remedy for anxiety.
since i started taking the ashwagandha every day, i am ALMOST anxiety free, which is a blessing. until the thyroid went out of control last week, i was taking the nervoheel as needed -- but now it's every day -- i usually only do one pill a day and within a few months i calm down.
annie -- new to board -- just joined today.
cali dyke
26 Sep 2011
i have bad panic attacks but i dont have them at work i just started takeing xanax but i dont keep up with it why do people get hooked on xanax they dont make me feel good.
Youngallinbt
9 Oct 2011
Listen yo , I been had bad anxiety for years nownover 6 years and I'm I'm 21 , I been on every pill you can think ones that make you fat, make you feel like a zoombie ones you don't want to be around no one large crowd , than you don't take gem and it seems like your getting worst and worst and worst , get e zap little flitches in ya body every few minutes make you feel weird. Sme times I don't even want to leave my bed be around people cause I think way way way to much it's anxiety go for small walks daily by your self take ya time ease into it it's your imagination I go threw it all the time best pill I ever had was nova velox a vine effoxor bad thing bout em wit me was side effects dizzy , tired yawning . Feel weird arouneople after they kick in they half scent you miss a dose or two it messes wit ya. Sperm count goes down . But they are alrit worth a shot take one day at a time relax kick it here an there thinking an not expression yourself will make things slot worst
alcon1502
15 Nov 2011
Alcon, stop taking meds. in a cold turkey way is not the correct way to do it. You should tappering off slowsly and the widraw effects are minimal.
tsungirl
22 Jan 2012
I know this post is older, but I am struggling very badly right now with anxiety over leaving my house. Can't even go grocery shopping, and taking son to pre-school is a challenge. Please help?
butterflylynn
28 Jan 2012
It sounds like you have:
Agoraphobia is a type of phobia. A phobia is the excessive fear of a specific object, circumstance or situation. Agoraphobia is excessive worry about having a panic attack in a public place. Commonly feared places and situations are elevators, sporting events, bridges, public transportation, shopping malls, airplanes, crowds or lines of people.
Typical agoraphobia symptoms include:
Fear of being alone in any situation
Fear of being in crowded places
Fear of losing control in a public place
Fear of being in places where it may be hard to leave, such as an elevator or train. Inability to leave your house for long periods (housebound)
Sense of helplessness , Overdependence on others, A sense that your body is unreal,
In addition, you may also have signs and symptoms similar to a panic attack, including:
Lightheadedness
Trouble breathing
Dizziness
Excessive sweating
Rapid heart rate
Flushing
Nausea
Upset stomach or diarrhea
Chest pain
Feeling a loss of control
Trouble swallowing
I did not realize I had this until My Neurologist listened to my issues and she explained this condition to me. I suggest you google Agoraphobia" & see if this helps you out, Best of luck I know how difficult this is.
hilleryjo
3 March 2012
Noel,
My name is Hillery and i'm 19. A couple months ago I stopped taking Lexapro after 3 years. I went from taking 10 mg to 5 mg, which I'm still doing. My withdrawal symptoms are horrible. I too was afraid of leaving my house, luckily that only lasted for a couple of weeks. But, I still have irrational thoughts and I almost feel like I'm in a dream, or a fog. I do not feel like myself at all. It's a terrifying feeling. There are other symptoms that I'm having as well but that's the main one I'm concerned about. I'd rather have bad physical symptoms than mental symptoms. Sometimes, I truly wonder if I'm losing my mind. Do you think this is caused solely from the Lexapro withdrawal? Also, I'm so glad that I found this site. It's amazing to know that there is somewhere I can go and listen to other peoples stories that are so similar to mine. It's almost the only thing that's keeps me motivated.
marcikay
22 March 2012
Hi Noel, after I read your post I ran out of my lexapro. I never knew one could have withdrawel from that, but I have had many sleepless nites. Also, my doc wants to get me off the anxity meds that help so much. They just Don't get it! . Perhaps the doc is afraid after all the celebrity deaths???
marcikay
22 March 2012
Hi Noel, after I read your post I ran out of my lexapro. I never knew one could have withdrawel from that, but I have had many sleepless nites. Also, my doc wants to get me off the anxity meds that help so much. They just Don't get it! . Perhaps the doc is afraid after all the celebrity deaths???
Inactive
26 March 2012
We need to remember that these are powerful drugs that affect our minds and thought processes. It's important to make changes slowly - often doctors have no idea and take you off of them much too fast. Your brain needs time to start making and balancing neurotransmitters that it has been counting on medications to take care of. Also, give yourself time. Eat right, avoid stress, get plenty of sleep, etc. your body is going through a lot of changes, along with your brain. Take care - ElizaJane
AnnieBHappy
8 May 2012
Hi, yes, I too weaned down slowly to 5 mg of Cipralex (escitalopram -- same as Lexapro) and then stopped it cold turkey. Felt slightly elated for awhile, then flu like and achy. Then couldn't sleep. Then all hell broke lose and I can't even describe how I felt. Lost my job. Been reeling from the outfall of that experience since. Am now back on 10 mg (tried 20 and 15 but feel far too zoned -- am very medication sensitive) and 50 mg of Seroquel XR for sleep. Even going off of that final 5 mg put me through an extremely horrible withdrawal. If you're experiencing anything like it or worse: My Heart Goes Out to You!!! AnnieBHappy.
AnnieBHappy
8 May 2012
I have a friend, (seriously, it's not me; I'd very openly state this if it were) who has been mostly housebound due to agoraphobia/anxiety etc for the last 5 yrs. It is a very big excursion if he goes to the nearest Walmart and back home... and that has only been occurring recently due to necessity of his spouse's worsening health. Curtains are always drawn; tough to walk to the end of his driveway etc... My Heart is with You all. It is a tormenting terror to feel so afraid to go out and horribly inhibiting. With my initial diagnosis of M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I was mostly housebound for 20years due to feeling so unwell and exhausted. That alone is inhibiting -- worse if you feel terror upon the thought of getting out. I have been rediagnosed with P.T.S.D & O.C.D (along with anxiety and depression) ...
Am not sure anymore what it is I have; but do relate as I have had some social anxiety since my early twenties due to having the stigma attached of not looking ill but feeling horrible... etc etc... Hard to face the world when you're wondering what people will be thinking. After 26 years of my challenges, I now realize that I have as much right as anyone to be alive and am releasing the sense of false shame I thrust upon myself. I know that Agoraphobia is something more than what I experienced -- the reasons I felt afraid to go out was due to fear of judgment; of not appearing normal to others etc. My heart is with You.
Perhaps knowing others suffer in the same manner will give you strength as you are not alone in this swamp of anxiety. Do try to the end of the driveway and back when you can and then go from there. Even if you just put one foot out the door congratulate yourself for your courage and effort to do so.
Small steps will eventually lead to bigger ones. And if even thinking about future bigger steps scares you; don't think about the future steps. Just think about the little ones you take now. "Never, never, never Surrender!" -- Winston Churchill quote. Take good care -- Keep in touch; AnnieBHappy
jancat310
24 May 2012
Lexepro is a livesaver for mny people. Sometimes, yo have to try a few different anitanxiety med's before you find one that works for you. Lexepro worked wonders for me, but I went off of it to soon, because I was feeling much better. BIG MISTAKE. I ended up in a mental ospital, because I wasn't able to eat, sleep, and I didn't know what was real and what wasn't. My kids thought they would never see me come home again. I can't remember very much, and the kids won't tell me much, but it was really bad. I was tied to the bed, and was told I hit a nurse. Good luck to all of you.
Jan
smitty1935
14 July 2012
I take zoloft 50 mg. but I also have xanax for anxiety, I haven't had 35yrs. I am 74 and still on xanax. I only take o.5 at night and when I get nervous I break it in half, but I can tolerate things. Myself, guess I will never out grow these panic attack and nervousness. My Mother had something like this but she never talked about and so I never knew for sure what I had until they tied my down when my baby was born. My blood pressure shot up and we both nearly died. I get nervous easy and when I do my heart starts raising, then my heart starts getting out of control. I ended up on medication awhile back, also had a heart attack 6 years ago. I know I can't over due things and get worked up so I take my heart pill as directed but also carry my xanax when I go anywhere. Right before I entered a prison to see my son I will put the xanax under my tongue and I will make it tho. I have my own Therapist but have lots of family problems.
All my doctors approve the xanax and it's now a joke "Don't you take my xanax away". In the hospitals they gave me another pill that was like xanax but kept the IV going just incase. Sometime it is hard to outgrow anxiety and you might never. The main thing is get a good doctor that understands. It took me over a year to get my meds regulared. lots of luck smitty
Victoria58
13 Feb 2013
Iam with you on this one..I walked in your shoes and still struggle, even thow they started me out of a anti-depressent, which ive tryed all, and the only thing that has worked for me is "Benzo" and because other people that has abused these drugs, its hard to find a doctor too help. They dont want you addicted they say, but they havent lived the hell of severe panic attacks either, so you will have too find a compassionate Doctor like a Head Doctor that has a better understanding, not a family doctor,,Prayers be with you, and please keep in touch and keep me informed..Always Victoria
Victoria58
13 Feb 2013
Cold turkey from Anti-depressents is a big no no, and with draw suddenly from ANY antidepressent will cause panic attacks, and other severe problems. I would start over and taper off slowly, and you should have contaced your doctor before you did this..Victoria
jlman1963
11 March 2013
atavan 2mg works great and rem ron antidepressant seroquel 25mg and depakote 500mg all together seems to work well,im not going to stop taking them to see if im any better without them id be crazy.2 years ago cymbalta was the cause of me arriving at the ER dead if it had been 5 more minutes i wouldnt be here now i was totally overdosed and it took a 2nd try at death before they took me off cymbalta.REMRON was and still is a life saver but i do get those days i dont want to even leave the yard.it takes time to get the right meds to work so when you do just leave it alone
princess1983
18 March 2017
Hi again all, as i was saying before, i don't eat very much, i've lost quite a lot of weight recently due to being so ill, this is so so horrible to go through. I have five children and most days i don't hardly see most of them{youngest sleeps in our bedroom}, my partner does everything for them.I feel sad and guilty all the time. Sometimes argue with my partner because his patience/understanding is limited. Also got a surgery coming up in less than 2 weeks and don't think i can do it.Never had a surgery done before.
pjbjean
26 March 2017
My condition has gotten so bad ... I can't go to grocery shopping or out to get some simple to eat.
I can't walk, my body is overheated, I'm dizzy... Like I'm having a heart attack
Took 100 mg.of Zoloft in the pass.
Wish I could find them.
Drew22a1
30 Jan 2020
I feel ya I don't have a problem every day leaving the house but it does happen and the biggest problem I have is I cannot keep a job tried ssi and was denied I have no idea what to do my anxiety panic attacks and depression control every day of my life
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sta-d, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
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