What can I do about leg weakness?
Posted by
Lang1725
I was diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder about 10 years ago (I'm 31 now). I tried a bunch of SSRIs and eventually landed on Zoloft. I was on it for a few years, at 100 mg a dose, and decided I didn't need it anymore and weened myself off. I was fine for two years.
To give a little more background, when my symptoms first developed, I was convinced they were physical. I did have an irrational fear of vomiting in public, but aside from that, I got very dizzy and had severe vertigo. Vertigo runs in my family. My grandmother had a similar "mystery" illness and no one ever figured out what was wrong with her. (Where's Dr. House when you need him?)
I saw a million doctors and took a million tests and they all said that everything checked out. It was just anxiety.
About two months ago, I was walking in the store and my legs became very weak and I fell. I fell two more times after that, once getting into the tub and once getting up from the couch. Shortly after that, I went to the store to get a key made and as I was checking out, I began to feel very dizzy and weak and had a panic attack. From there on in, it has been a nightmare. I'm ok at work, but I have trouble with one on one encounters with people, especially if I'm standing. If I'm sitting it's much better. I can't go to the store or any place that sitting down is not an option.
I've Googled the heck out of "leg weakness" and just about everyone says that it's caused by anxiety. I didn't have this problem 10 years ago, this one is new. I'm back on 100 mg of Zoloft and have been taking it for about 2 months. I've also tried: Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, and Inderal. NOTHING helps!
I am also very shaky. I know that can be a side effect of the SSRI but I honestly can't remember if the tremors started before or after I started taking the Zoloft. And I never had them before. I have severe tremors in my arms, jaw, and legs. I did some research and it sounds like it may be a condition called Essential Tremor. I have an appt with a neurologist on Tuesday who specializes in the condition.
My question is...Has anyone else had this much trouble with the shaky legs and, if so, what have you done about it? I can't believe this is just a symptom of anxiety, especially because none of the drugs work. I might as well be taking sugar pills.
I will say that the blatant panic attacks have gotten better, but I've actually developed some depression since taking the Zoloft, which is ironic since it's an "antidepressant." And the social anxiety (because of the leg thing and the tremors) hasn't changed at all. I did have basic blood work done and everything came back normal. I refuse to go to the store, my boyfriend does all of the shopping for me. I feel so stupid.
I'm hoping the neurologist will be able to help. Just wondering if anyone was in the same boat.
Posted by Lang1725
I was diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder about 10 years ago (I'm 31 now). I tried a bunch of SSRIs and eventually landed on Zoloft. I was on it for a few years, at 100 mg a dose, and decided I didn't need it anymore and weened myself off. I was fine for two years.
To give a little more background, when my symptoms first developed, I was convinced they were physical. I did have an irrational fear of vomiting in public, but aside from that, I got very dizzy and had severe vertigo. Vertigo runs in my family. My grandmother had a similar "mystery" illness and no one ever figured out what was wrong with her. (Where's Dr. House when you need him?)
I saw a million doctors and took a million tests and they all said that everything checked out. It was just anxiety.
About two months ago, I was walking in the store and my legs became very weak and I fell. I fell two more times after that, once getting into the tub and once getting up from the couch. Shortly after that, I went to the store to get a key made and as I was checking out, I began to feel very dizzy and weak and had a panic attack. From there on in, it has been a nightmare. I'm ok at work, but I have trouble with one on one encounters with people, especially if I'm standing. If I'm sitting it's much better. I can't go to the store or any place that sitting down is not an option.
I've Googled the heck out of "leg weakness" and just about everyone says that it's caused by anxiety. I didn't have this problem 10 years ago, this one is new. I'm back on 100 mg of Zoloft and have been taking it for about 2 months. I've also tried: Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, and Inderal. NOTHING helps!
I am also very shaky. I know that can be a side effect of the SSRI but I honestly can't remember if the tremors started before or after I started taking the Zoloft. And I never had them before. I have severe tremors in my arms, jaw, and legs. I did some research and it sounds like it may be a condition called Essential Tremor. I have an appt with a neurologist on Tuesday who specializes in the condition.
My question is...Has anyone else had this much trouble with the shaky legs and, if so, what have you done about it? I can't believe this is just a symptom of anxiety, especially because none of the drugs work. I might as well be taking sugar pills.
I will say that the blatant panic attacks have gotten better, but I've actually developed some depression since taking the Zoloft, which is ironic since it's an "antidepressant." And the social anxiety (because of the leg thing and the tremors) hasn't changed at all. I did have basic blood work done and everything came back normal. I refuse to go to the store, my boyfriend does all of the shopping for me. I feel so stupid.
I'm hoping the neurologist will be able to help. Just wondering if anyone was in the same boat.