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Is Alcohol Consumption Safe While Having Anxiety?

Posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016

Question: What is the best way to treat a young adult male with anxiety and ADHD? Currently he self medicates by drinking beer - 1 bottle every one to two hours in the evening. Not a good idea but has worked better than a plethora of meds prescribed in the past when he was 17.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

This level of alcohol use will worsen anxiety over time, and leads to addiction and withdrawal which can be deadly. Treatment of anxiety in someone who is using alcohol is best done with the medication gabapentin. This is typically dosed 300mg 3 times a day to start. I would give this a try to see if it helps.

As for the ADHD, if Vyvanse was lasting into the evening, perhaps he should try a shorter-acting stimulant like Ritalin.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 hours later)

Thank you! I hope I can get him started on the regiment. I have trouble getting him to a doctor w the anxiety, but this certainly is more hopeful and proactive information than I have ever gotten.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 hours later)

I talked to my son about your suggestion. He is hoping that he might be able to achieve recovery without medication as he has some plans of getting involved with the military someday like his big brother. Being on medication would eliminate that plan. He has been making baby steps, even went out to lunch/dinner with me or a friend a couple times. Would you have any holistic type of suggestions? Holistic or homeopathic is fairly uncharted or new territory for the medical world, but I'd thought I'd ask. I think this is the last Q I can ask for now, Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Medication in no way prevents anyone from entering the military. Many military people are on psychotropic medication. The only thing that would really prevent him from entering the military is alcoholism.

Homeopathy is no better than placebo in randomized clinical trials. It is like taking a sugar pill. I recommend seeking out the medication options I suggested.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee