Safe treatments for anxiety in post concussive situations?
 

Hey guys, thanks for the continued information in this healing. I must say, this community has given me ten fold the info I've found from the doctors.

I was just inquiring as to the safety of treating what I assume is post concussion anxiety with SSRI's.

While a lot of my symptoms have gradually reduced over the past few months, the two i've been left with is anxiety and what feel like headaches. The anxiety is more situational, but I never experienced it pre concussion and I have a suspicion that the headaches are actually linked to the anxiety, as they usually come about following it.

The anxiety is primarily attached to driving, and while I have been working on it and allowed myself to do basic tasks by car (job, shopping etc) I still don't feel super comfortable and wouldn't like to travel long distances. The doctor recommended I take SSRIs for this, however I don't think they really link it to the concussion. I'm actually fairly convinced he thinks my whole symptoms are caused by anxiety itself.

The anxiety is common as is the doctor's view that your problem is anxiety. The problem with that diagnosis is PCS causes anxiety to manifest in many.

Many have done well on SSRI's or SNRI's. I was on Paxil for 14 years, got off, had a bad event and went on Celexa for 6 or 8 months.

When I went off the Paxil, I replaced it with L-Tryptophan. When I went off the Celexa, I replaced it with L-Tryptophan (500mgs), L-Theanine (200 mgs) and 5-HTP (100 mgs) I take the L-Tryptophan mid day with my vitamin regimen. I take the L-Theanine and 5-HTP first thing when I get up.

I don't have any of the side-effects of an SSRI with the supplements I am taking. The body already uses L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine, and 5-HPT so I am only increasing the availability.

It may be helpful to try to understand why you struggle with driving. Are you overwhelmed with all of the traffic and pedestrians moving about that you need to track ? Is everything moving too fast ?

I do very little driving because my mind can easily lose focus on the task of driving. Too much stimulation that can distract me. But, that is just me. I doubt many have a similar struggle.

So, consider an SSRI or SNRI with the goal of a short period to get back to normal activity levels, driving etc, then tapering off. It could be only 6 months. If you can find a specialist who understands PCS anxiety and SSRI's, that would be helpful.

My best to you.

Newbie,

It took me around 19 months post injury to be more like myself driving.

I was driving down a highway and suddenly realized I was enjoying it...like the old days.

Prior to that I would be a wreck after anything more that around town at a non rush hour.

I am certain it was overstimulation as I had no trouble being in the car with my wife driving and able to close my eyes to control stimulus.

Bud

Hi Newbie,

anxiety seems to run rampant with PCs sufferers. I never experienced anxiety until after my concussion.

Now whenever I have too much going on around me (too much stimulus of any kind) I get horrible anxiety.

When my neuropsych first told me that it was most likely anxiety, I felt just as bad as if they said it was all in my head. (Sorry...wacky sense of humour).

Once she told me that PCS seems to bring out anxiety and that 'fight or flight' feeling, it makes more sense to me.

I wish you well.


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In addition to, or an alternative to medication, you might try meditation and or gentle yoga, I've found both to be helpful in reducing anxiety.

Lots of causes
 

My main symptom is anxiety (I have others but they are slight.) In my case I think I also have a predisposition to anxiety, depression and fear.

But check out the thread "Great Recovery Blog." Its author is also mrico2 at this forum. He had major anxiety issues post-concussion but it eventually turned out to be--I forget--either vestibular or ocular, i.p. he felt like he was falling all the time.

Thanks for the reply, as always Mark.

the sensation is more the feeling of being trapped. I can drive perfectly fine at high speeds on quite roads, but once I get out onto a very busy freeway with cars all around me its more a sense I can't get out.

I still don't think I feel 100% right, as in maybe slight slight dizziness. I'm sure you understand what I mean, I feel fairly normal but not completely normal. Like I get headaches far easier than I did pre concussion and I still get some anxiety. 95% better than the earlier weeks however.

I booked an appointment for a psychologist to see if they can help with the driving anxiety. The problem with this disease being in our heads is that its hard to know on the more mild end of the symptoms how much you are causing with your own stress.

Yeah tell me about it. I used to love highway driving, so relaxing. No effort :o