[51M] Experiencing extreme anxiety with associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions might be contributing to your symptoms:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is a common condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about different aspects of life. Symptoms can include restlessness, feeling on edge, and physical symptoms such as sweating and chills.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication. Effexor, which you are currently taking, is one of the medications commonly used to treat GAD.

• Side effects from medication: Both Effexor and Crestor can have side effects that include anxiety, nervousness, and sweating. It's possible that your symptoms are related to these medications.

  • If your symptoms are due to medication side effects, they may improve with a change in medication or dosage. This should be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

• Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and weight loss. However, this is less likely given your normal weight and lack of other typical symptoms like rapid heart rate or heat intolerance.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to slow down the production of thyroid hormones, or in some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your Effexor as prescribed, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
2. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage your anxiety.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These can all help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
4. Consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with strategies to manage your anxiety and can help determine if your symptoms might be related to your medication.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Specifically, look out for:

• Rapid or unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.