new to the forum but need reassurance :)

I've had anxiety for about 11 years and just started treatment today.  Until now i've just dealt with it and lost a lot of friends and missed out on a lot of opportunities, but lately i've been waking up in the middle of the night with the attacks which has never happened before.  They gave me a low dose of xanax to take as needed.  I've had about 5 panic attacks in the last two - three weeks day and/or night and my stomach is a mess.  I barely eat because of my phobia of throwing up and being sick and I've lost about 10 pounds (yay lol) but every time i eat, no matter what it is, soon after i have diarrhea.  My logic is that if i don't eat, there's nothing to throw up, but i have to eat something so i've been sticking to granola bars, bananas, really light small meals.  I miss food!  Before this i've been living day to day only really eating good meals on days when i didn't have work or anywhere to be the next day just in case my stomach became upset.  The day after my biggest attack I had yellow watery diarrhea.  I had watery diarrhea for a few days, then occasional loose stools throughout the week.  One day i'd be fine, the next i'd be stuck at home.  The more i thought about it, the worse it got.  it's terrible.   I thought it was a bug, but no one else was sick and we all ate the same foods. 

I know anxiety can cause bowel problems, but my question is does this sound normal and when can i expect to regain my normal stools since i'm starting xanax? 

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

Also I don't feel ill at all, except the diarrhea.  Just the normal anxiety related issues - heart rate increase, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue... etc. 

Post Edited (rmcconn85) : 8/20/2010 6:24:03 PM (GMT-6)

I'm really sorry to hear about your stomach problems. Rest assured, they are probably anxiety related. You also sound as if you are entophobic (fear of vomiting) which is an extremely common phobia, even in people w/out A/P. Sounds like you are doing the right things-eating small, easy to digest things. As long as you aren't losing too much weight, it should work until you are back on track. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) is ideal for diarrhea. As far as the meds causing it, I can't say-never been on that, but lots of medication can disrupt the system. I personally take probioticts as they help the whole digestive process. Glad to hear that you are seeking help after suffering so long. Are you also open to the possibility of therapy? CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) has really helped me. There are free on line workshops available. Glad you are here, and wishing you the best!
Scaredy Cat

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"Courage is not the abscence of fear, it is feeling afraid and doing it anyway!"

thanks everyone :) today (knock on wood) my stomach has been feeling much better. i'm going to continue to eat smaller meals throughout the day and taking my medication as needed. last night i took one about an hour before bed and i slept the whole night through for the first time in weeks, it was absolutely wonderful. :)