ajc
Member
- Feb 6, 2018
- 1,170
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2002; spike 2009; worse 2017-18
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud music - noise damage
Sleep meds mess with your sleep. This is to be expected. Can you taper off the meds?
Waking Up to a Panic Attack 30 Minutes After Going to Sleep
- Thread starter Johan001
- Start date
Hi ajc,
I'm on Mirtazapine 15 mg. Unfortunately I can't get off it now, as this is the only thing that reasonably works for me for sleep.
Without Mirtazapine I can't get any sleep at all. Before going on it, I tried all natural stuff, such as L-Theanine, CBD oil, Valerian. Then Zopiclone, which didn't work, Melatonin, also didn't.
I'm a severe anxiety case. 6 weeks into tinnitus. I have 3 sounds in my right ear. Moderately loud, something like 5 out of 10.
Also, I used to have this exact problem before I started medication.
I'm on Mirtazapine 15 mg. Unfortunately I can't get off it now, as this is the only thing that reasonably works for me for sleep.
Without Mirtazapine I can't get any sleep at all. Before going on it, I tried all natural stuff, such as L-Theanine, CBD oil, Valerian. Then Zopiclone, which didn't work, Melatonin, also didn't.
I'm a severe anxiety case. 6 weeks into tinnitus. I have 3 sounds in my right ear. Moderately loud, something like 5 out of 10.
Also, I used to have this exact problem before I started medication.
MemberHi Johan,
Your reaction to getting Tinnitus for the first time is totally normal. I was exactly the same -- I was given Valium just to calm me down because I couldn't sleep, or even sit still, for ages. I had terrible suicidal thoughts also.
Your body goes into shock because of the severe anxiety and stress. But it's not sustainable and your body will relax.
Mirtazipine is one of the best antidepressants when it comes to Tinnitus -- I was on it for months with no ill effects, as are/were many members of this forum. Some are very wary of taking any antidepressants -- which is understandable as all drugs have unpredictable side effects sometimes -- but Mirtazipine is very safe and low risk for Tinnitus, and is great for anxiety and sleep. (Get ready to put on weight though!!)
The first few months after getting Tinnitus are the worst, and it feels like you will never feel better again, but not only is there a good chance the Tinnitus will disappear, it will almost certainly fade and become much more manageable. It always sounds the loudest when you first get it.
Read through all the success stories on this site, and limit your time on the main support section as much as you can -- it's mostly those of us with long term, severe issues, and this will not necessarily be you so please don't scare yourself thinking this will be the case. I know how hard it is, because it was hard for me too. But keeping the positive stories in your head will help so much, esp with your sleep issues.
Your reaction to getting Tinnitus for the first time is totally normal. I was exactly the same -- I was given Valium just to calm me down because I couldn't sleep, or even sit still, for ages. I had terrible suicidal thoughts also.
Your body goes into shock because of the severe anxiety and stress. But it's not sustainable and your body will relax.
Mirtazipine is one of the best antidepressants when it comes to Tinnitus -- I was on it for months with no ill effects, as are/were many members of this forum. Some are very wary of taking any antidepressants -- which is understandable as all drugs have unpredictable side effects sometimes -- but Mirtazipine is very safe and low risk for Tinnitus, and is great for anxiety and sleep. (Get ready to put on weight though!!)
The first few months after getting Tinnitus are the worst, and it feels like you will never feel better again, but not only is there a good chance the Tinnitus will disappear, it will almost certainly fade and become much more manageable. It always sounds the loudest when you first get it.
Read through all the success stories on this site, and limit your time on the main support section as much as you can -- it's mostly those of us with long term, severe issues, and this will not necessarily be you so please don't scare yourself thinking this will be the case. I know how hard it is, because it was hard for me too. But keeping the positive stories in your head will help so much, esp with your sleep issues.
Hi Tanni,
Thank you so much. Yes, to say I'm not suicidal would be a severe understatement. I have read through almost the entire forum and I keep reading it compulsively as a sort of an escape.
I don't really mind Mirtazapine for now, but my anxiety is through the roof and even at day time I feel really restless.
I really want to believe that this will be over, but given my multiple tones I am afraid there's little chance of this.
I know people recover, but from multiple tones??
I do not know how I will be able to get used to this. Been trying counselling, but I believe only time will heal.
Thank you so much. Yes, to say I'm not suicidal would be a severe understatement. I have read through almost the entire forum and I keep reading it compulsively as a sort of an escape.
I don't really mind Mirtazapine for now, but my anxiety is through the roof and even at day time I feel really restless.
I really want to believe that this will be over, but given my multiple tones I am afraid there's little chance of this.
I know people recover, but from multiple tones??
I do not know how I will be able to get used to this. Been trying counselling, but I believe only time will heal.
No worries.
Yes, people recover from multiple tones. I've had loads of tones come and go -- ears take ages to heal, so it's easy to give up hope, but hang in there. As you say, time is a great healer.
I did the same as you -- obsessively reading the forum until I was convinced I would never be happy again and the only way out was suicide. There are people here with quite severe ear issues, hence why we are using the forum regularly, but this is not the norm and there's no reason to assume this will happen to you. Most cases of tinnitus resolve themselves, or go on to not be a problem. You can see this by the number of people who create an account but disappear after a few months. Keep reading the success stories, and take as much time away from Googling tinnitus as you can.
@Johan001 I had severe insomnia after my tinnitus got worse. I have a chaos symphony in my head. Multiple tones and sounds, all constantly changing and fluctuating in volume.
I went to bed one night and the tinnitus woke me up 3 hours later. Louder than hell and new fun ear pressure symptoms to go with it. I think that fear that if I went to sleep and woke up the tinnitus would be even worse really played into it. I was like you anxious, restless during the day, and I couldn't even take naps. The instant I tried I'd get a rush of adrenaline. Sadly once you start getting severely deprived of sleep it's harder to get sleep. Vicious circle.
By the end of the first month I was suffering from such severe insomnia that I actually started to get what I call "psycho-babble". My brain kept rambling full bore never stopping and I became suicidal. Drugs really mess me up so taking sleeping pills was not an option. (That and I couldn't afford to go to a doctor to get them anyway.)
Melatonin and a lot of the other stuff mentioned didn't help. So I made sure I ate bananas for the natural melatonin and serotonin. And the one thing that could knock me out was hibiscus tea. I also started to take ashwagandha to deal with the anxiety and depression.
I made sure I went to bed at 10:30 every night and NEVER got up. I kept my eyes closed. I'd count down from 100. Once I started sleeping first at 15min intervals with the tinnitus waking me up in a panic I started talking to my mind and body.
Wake up in a panic!
"It's okay it's just tinnitus. I am tired and I need sleep."
Stuff like that. Soon it started to work. I started sleeping longer hours and by the end of the first year I would only wake up occasionally do to the tinnitus and before the second year ended I did start sleeping better. Now I sleep well and it's the only thing I've really gotten back from my tinnitus. My "psycho-babble" finally went away February of this year as I'm playing catch up on my severe sleep deprivation.
Hope this helps.
I went to bed one night and the tinnitus woke me up 3 hours later. Louder than hell and new fun ear pressure symptoms to go with it. I think that fear that if I went to sleep and woke up the tinnitus would be even worse really played into it. I was like you anxious, restless during the day, and I couldn't even take naps. The instant I tried I'd get a rush of adrenaline. Sadly once you start getting severely deprived of sleep it's harder to get sleep. Vicious circle.
By the end of the first month I was suffering from such severe insomnia that I actually started to get what I call "psycho-babble". My brain kept rambling full bore never stopping and I became suicidal. Drugs really mess me up so taking sleeping pills was not an option. (That and I couldn't afford to go to a doctor to get them anyway.)
Melatonin and a lot of the other stuff mentioned didn't help. So I made sure I ate bananas for the natural melatonin and serotonin. And the one thing that could knock me out was hibiscus tea. I also started to take ashwagandha to deal with the anxiety and depression.
I made sure I went to bed at 10:30 every night and NEVER got up. I kept my eyes closed. I'd count down from 100. Once I started sleeping first at 15min intervals with the tinnitus waking me up in a panic I started talking to my mind and body.
Wake up in a panic!
"It's okay it's just tinnitus. I am tired and I need sleep."
Stuff like that. Soon it started to work. I started sleeping longer hours and by the end of the first year I would only wake up occasionally do to the tinnitus and before the second year ended I did start sleeping better. Now I sleep well and it's the only thing I've really gotten back from my tinnitus. My "psycho-babble" finally went away February of this year as I'm playing catch up on my severe sleep deprivation.
Hope this helps.
Yes, I was signed off of work initially but I was able to go back after a few months. I really didn't want to at first, but I forced myself and I'm glad I did because it made the situation so much better.
Work is a great distraction, and the more you realise you can be distracted from your Tinnitus, the calmer you feel about it. It also helped me feel more normal -- it's great on here because you don't have to put a face on your suffering and can just talk about how you feel, but when you're in work you need to present as someone who is well and this can be helpful too because it shows that you can do it if you need to.
But don't put any pressure on yourself to go back if you're signed off and don't feel ready. The important thing is to get your panic attacks and suicidal feelings under control first. There is no rush.
Thank you @Shera and @Tanni.
I was having a catch up with friends regarding my work and I had a massive panic attack, which I covered up very well. I was so afraid and frustrated that I'm not the same old myself anymore and everything just reminded me of my pre tinnitus life. I got really suicidal. Just thinking, I'm going to end it all when I get home. It's unbearable. Your posts help me to calm down but I'm still very afraid.
I was having a catch up with friends regarding my work and I had a massive panic attack, which I covered up very well. I was so afraid and frustrated that I'm not the same old myself anymore and everything just reminded me of my pre tinnitus life. I got really suicidal. Just thinking, I'm going to end it all when I get home. It's unbearable. Your posts help me to calm down but I'm still very afraid.
Dear all,
I'm writing this again in a huge despair pleading for help!
I have extreme anxiety and restlessness, such that I cannot even sit still. As I try to lay down, my heartbeat goes up severely and I am in a state of shock.
Please, if anyone has any tips, in would be so grateful for help. It's really killing me, I have even attempted to harm myself...
I'm writing this again in a huge despair pleading for help!
I have extreme anxiety and restlessness, such that I cannot even sit still. As I try to lay down, my heartbeat goes up severely and I am in a state of shock.
Please, if anyone has any tips, in would be so grateful for help. It's really killing me, I have even attempted to harm myself...
Hi Johann,
I'm so sorry to hear that.
As you already know from my previous posts to you, I was in the same place so I understand completely.
Have you spoken with your GP about being prescribed benzos like Diazepam? It's not ideal as they're highly addictive and not a long term solution, but they can be so helpful in the short term if you are harming/thinking of attempting. You will need to make clear to your GP that you are having suicidal thoughts. They will not section you or anything like that -- it's quite common, and they will just want to give you something to calm you down whilst you are in this state of panic.
Try really hard to stay away from Googling Tinnitus if you can -- it's not good if you are experiencing anxiety attacks as the Internet is full of worst case scenarios and you need to try to focus on the positive for now to get through this. If you must Google though, read the success stories and the research section of this site. There are many positive treatments in the pipeline.
You are so new to Tinnitus -- so there is much time for it resolve/reduce significantly. I had terrible zapping, high pitched Tinnitus for about 6 months and I thought I was stuck with it forever, but it went away. Same with some other tones. I also had terrible hyperacusis that eventually went away. Please don't lose hope.
Hi Johan,
Sleep is essential, even if it means you'll have to rely on drugs like those "bad evil benzos". When my T worsened, about 3 month ago, I first choose to not take any drug and to simply fight that T beast with my only will power...
Three nights with no sleep at all and I finished my third night applying for VAD at Pegasos...
My tender wife ordered me to take bromazepam (Lexomil here in France). I took 6mg a day for à week and it calmed me down, improved my mood and also gave me a pretty decent sleep.
I dont take benzos anymore but I can't say I'm drug "free" as I actually take 15 mg amitriptyline to help me sleep (tapering down).
I know there's a lot of horror stories about benzos, (and I'm sure they are for real) but, for a short time, they are pretty effective and fast acting with anxiety and sleep.
Take care
Hi @Tanni, @Tatsopa,
Thank you. I am sleeping 5 hours a night on mirtazapine now. Waking up to a raging jet engine tinnitus.
When I was writing the first post in this thread, I was at least able to close my eyes for, like 30 minutes. Now I cannot close them even for 30 seconds as my panic attack kicks in.
This is such a severe anxiety disorder now, that it's surreal. Thank you for advice, I will ask my doctor on Monday.
I do not see how a raging jet engine tinnitus can subside... as much as I want to. It looks like I'm damaged permanently. And this clock ticking sound inside my head. It's so surreal. I attempted it again yesterday, but keep stopping.
Thank you. I am sleeping 5 hours a night on mirtazapine now. Waking up to a raging jet engine tinnitus.
When I was writing the first post in this thread, I was at least able to close my eyes for, like 30 minutes. Now I cannot close them even for 30 seconds as my panic attack kicks in.
This is such a severe anxiety disorder now, that it's surreal. Thank you for advice, I will ask my doctor on Monday.
I do not see how a raging jet engine tinnitus can subside... as much as I want to. It looks like I'm damaged permanently. And this clock ticking sound inside my head. It's so surreal. I attempted it again yesterday, but keep stopping.
Hi Tatsopa,
You've only quoted part of my sentence above, so not sure if the gist of my post has been misunderstood? I was actually saying the same thing as you -- benzos are great as a short term solution and Johan should definitely consider them when he is in such a terrible situation anxiety-wise.
@Johan001 - if you are attempting, please speak with someone irl as a matter of urgency. I did the same thing, and I was sent to a crisis counsellor who prescribed me Diazepam -- it really calmed me down and helped me be able to sleep, which was impossible before as I was so panicked all the time.
Hi Tanni,
Yeah, I know. I just wanted to "back up" your idea and expose my personal experience on that matter.
I apologize, I surely made all this unclear
.Hi Tanni,
Yeah, I know. I just wanted to "back up" your idea and expose my personal experience on that matter.
I apologize, I surely made all this unclear
Oh, no need to apologise -- I just wondered if my post came across as though I was against benzos and I didn't want anyone in a serious situation to be put off of using them.
Glad to hear that they were helpful for you
Hi all,
Since I have initially posted this thread, my health has deteriorated even further.
My tinnitus is on the same level, but the anxiety is such that I cannot even close my eyes, let alone nap. Once I close my eyes, I have such an adrenaline shock that my whole body aches. I have constant heart ache and sometimes pressure in my breast. I sleep on 30 mg Mirtazapine only for 4 hours waking up in panic and tears. I have made a few suicide attempts, including one today.
I am going to try Clonazepam tomorrow.
I am desperately trying CBT, mindfulness, Back to Silence method, meditating to the tinnitus sounds, listening to the tinnitus sounds etc.
However, it looks like my brain is so distorted, that I am in a constant panic mode.
Since I have initially posted this thread, my health has deteriorated even further.
My tinnitus is on the same level, but the anxiety is such that I cannot even close my eyes, let alone nap. Once I close my eyes, I have such an adrenaline shock that my whole body aches. I have constant heart ache and sometimes pressure in my breast. I sleep on 30 mg Mirtazapine only for 4 hours waking up in panic and tears. I have made a few suicide attempts, including one today.
I am going to try Clonazepam tomorrow.
I am desperately trying CBT, mindfulness, Back to Silence method, meditating to the tinnitus sounds, listening to the tinnitus sounds etc.
However, it looks like my brain is so distorted, that I am in a constant panic mode.
Hi all,
Since I have initially posted this thread, my health has deteriorated even further.
My tinnitus is on the same level, but the anxiety is such that I cannot even close my eyes, let alone nap. Once I close my eyes, I have such an adrenaline shock that my whole body aches. I have constant heart ache and sometimes pressure in my breast. I sleep on 30 mg Mirtazapine only for 4 hours waking up in panic and tears. I have made a few suicide attempts, including one today.
I am going to try Clonazepam tomorrow.
I am desperately trying CBT, mindfulness, back to silence method, meditating to the tinnitus sounds, listening to the tinnitus sounds etc.
However, it looks like my brain is so distorted, that I am in a constant panic mode.
Since I have initially posted this thread, my health has deteriorated even further.
My tinnitus is on the same level, but the anxiety is such that I cannot even close my eyes, let alone nap. Once I close my eyes, I have such an adrenaline shock that my whole body aches. I have constant heart ache and sometimes pressure in my breast. I sleep on 30 mg Mirtazapine only for 4 hours waking up in panic and tears. I have made a few suicide attempts, including one today.
I am going to try Clonazepam tomorrow.
I am desperately trying CBT, mindfulness, back to silence method, meditating to the tinnitus sounds, listening to the tinnitus sounds etc.
However, it looks like my brain is so distorted, that I am in a constant panic mode.
Ken219
Member
@Johan001 You seems like you are doing the right things. but you are going to the wrong threads. Stay away from negative threads. Research all medications that may help you through the tough times. Do it with a medical professional. The first 3-6 months are the hardest. Please seek help if you are suicidal. Do you have a good support system? Research today is more promising than 30 years ago!
Hi Ken,
I'm under severe pressure now in work and relationship in addition to tinnitus. I'm breaking up.
I have a good support system, but unsure what else can help me a part from the meds I already have.
I am compulsively addicted to the forum and internet. If I don't search for tinnitus online I get restless. It's a full blown addiction now.
I'm under severe pressure now in work and relationship in addition to tinnitus. I'm breaking up.
I have a good support system, but unsure what else can help me a part from the meds I already have.
I am compulsively addicted to the forum and internet. If I don't search for tinnitus online I get restless. It's a full blown addiction now.
@Johan001
I am really struggling too. I am 3 weeks into this and slept 1-2 hours a night the first week and 2-4 hours the last 2 weeks. I have non-stop anxiety all day and night. I can hear my tinnitus night and day over all sounds, so that is wonderful you can't hear it during the day much. I am so distraught I have also thought about suicide but I have three kids and a husband that love me. I almost had a nervous breakdown today from exhaustion and the constant piercing ringing hiss in my head!!! It's horrid. However, I refuse to give up!!! And you can't give up either. Everything I have read and those who I have talked to said the first 3-6 months are horrible!! So please wait at least 6 months then reassess your situation. I'm in hell right now. Just as you are. You are NOT alone. Let's do this together...
I am really struggling too. I am 3 weeks into this and slept 1-2 hours a night the first week and 2-4 hours the last 2 weeks. I have non-stop anxiety all day and night. I can hear my tinnitus night and day over all sounds, so that is wonderful you can't hear it during the day much. I am so distraught I have also thought about suicide but I have three kids and a husband that love me. I almost had a nervous breakdown today from exhaustion and the constant piercing ringing hiss in my head!!! It's horrid. However, I refuse to give up!!! And you can't give up either. Everything I have read and those who I have talked to said the first 3-6 months are horrible!! So please wait at least 6 months then reassess your situation. I'm in hell right now. Just as you are. You are NOT alone. Let's do this together...
- Oct 19, 2019
- 862
- Tinnitus Since
- 2016/2017/2019
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Unknown
Hi all,
I've been having a very tough time in the 10 weeks of my tinnitus. This included some very dark stuff.
At the moment I am using 1x 0.5mg Clonazepam in the morning and 1x 30mg Mirtazapine for the night.
Initially I was prescribed 2x 0.5 mg Clonazepam daily. But I am afraid of addiction.
Mirtazapine alone does not help me well. Clonazepam seems to work on my mood by bringing me close to how I was before.
I see no other way to function at the moment rather than taking the aforementioned combination. I hope that it will help me bridge the gap to habituation.
I read a lot of conflicting information on this, so I wonder whether my approach is viable.
Without the meds I'm in a constant panic mode and CBT just doesn't work.
I have several noises, including a clock ticking sound inside my head, and whistling and stretching in my right ear.
Looking forward to your advice.
I've been having a very tough time in the 10 weeks of my tinnitus. This included some very dark stuff.
At the moment I am using 1x 0.5mg Clonazepam in the morning and 1x 30mg Mirtazapine for the night.
Initially I was prescribed 2x 0.5 mg Clonazepam daily. But I am afraid of addiction.
Mirtazapine alone does not help me well. Clonazepam seems to work on my mood by bringing me close to how I was before.
I see no other way to function at the moment rather than taking the aforementioned combination. I hope that it will help me bridge the gap to habituation.
I read a lot of conflicting information on this, so I wonder whether my approach is viable.
Without the meds I'm in a constant panic mode and CBT just doesn't work.
I have several noises, including a clock ticking sound inside my head, and whistling and stretching in my right ear.
Looking forward to your advice.
ajc
Member
- Feb 6, 2018
- 1,170
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2002; spike 2009; worse 2017-18
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud music - noise damage
Clonazepam is a benzo. Tolerance and physical dependence will be built in time. Be careful.
Mirtazapine you can take forever.
For the time being, until you habituate, you can keep taking both meds.
- Jan 17, 2020
- 372
- Tinnitus Since
- 01/2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Probably noise, stress and a neck injury.
Hi Johan,
My tinnitus remains virtually unchanged. It fluctuates a lot in loudness and tones, but I always have several. At the very least, 3. Usually 5, sometimes up to 8 or 10. Not entirely sure what causes tones to come and go.
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. It definitely isn't easy, and when I was at 10 weeks I was a mess too. I'm not almost 7 months in. Still not happy, still bothered often, but also getting on with life. I'm but habituated by any means but life just doesn't stop, and I've accepted I'll have this forever or until decent treatments exist.
All I can say is that it takes time, and don't fight the bad feelings. Let yourself be sad and desperate, but don't give up. Hang in there. In time you'll have a good day now and then, and eventually they'll really add up.
My tinnitus remains virtually unchanged. It fluctuates a lot in loudness and tones, but I always have several. At the very least, 3. Usually 5, sometimes up to 8 or 10. Not entirely sure what causes tones to come and go.
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. It definitely isn't easy, and when I was at 10 weeks I was a mess too. I'm not almost 7 months in. Still not happy, still bothered often, but also getting on with life. I'm but habituated by any means but life just doesn't stop, and I've accepted I'll have this forever or until decent treatments exist.
All I can say is that it takes time, and don't fight the bad feelings. Let yourself be sad and desperate, but don't give up. Hang in there. In time you'll have a good day now and then, and eventually they'll really add up.
Interesting, but did you have a spike in Tinnitus before you read online about Viagra?
It's sad to read of your relationship troubles.
I think TRT might be something worth investigating, where they play white noise just below the tinnitus, this might relieve your anxiety.
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