HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Medication For Mild Anxiety

default
Posted on Mon, 4 Jan 2016
Question: I had received an email from HCM asking how I was doing since we last spoke. So to answer that question, I chose to forget about my mothers copd death, forget my issues, forget all the stressors and focus on relaxing. I was told it could take several months to fully recover but in the past 4 weeks i have noticed a major improvement in my breathing issue, a major improvement in my stress, and overall a great improvement. all changes have been subtle. Have been xanax free for at least 8 weeks and glad of that. now just lexapro. Will keep you updated as things progress
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Of course I remember you quite well.
XXXXXXX (I hope this is your name, I'm guessing from your username), I am absolutely ecstatic about this news. You have clearly been working very hard on working through your issues, dealing with your mother's death, and dealing with the stress of anxiety and breathing troubles, and all that hard work is beginning to pay off.

Xanax is indeed a troublesome medication. I personally never prescribe it, because its onset of action is so fast and its half-life so short that it often causes rebound anxiety and people need more and more of it, causing addiction. I prefer to use Klonopin, but indeed all benzos are addictive and cause long-term issues with cognition, so your effort on this front to stay away from these medications is really the very best for your long-term health.

How long have you been on the Lexapro? If you recently started it, you can expect even more benefit to come, as onset of action typically takes 4-6 weeks for full effect. Are you on an effective dose? I typically push it as high as 20mg daily until symptoms are controlled.

Again, this is fantastic news. Please keep me updated as often as you can afford! I want to do everything possible to help you. And I do offer more regular therapy if that interests you.

All my best,

Dr. Sheppe
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 minutes later)
It is xxxxxx,
Was initially prescribed Lexapro 3 years ago, I am at 20mg a day. The initial prescribing psychiatrist is now 300+ miles away. I visited with a new one 4 weeks ago, she agreed with lexapro but she was a bit concerned with its usefullness. she asked me to participate in a short trial by adding a low dose Buspirone with the lexapro. she said it would amplify the lexapro effectiveness, Have not noticed any thing but i am better.

I will hold you to the offer of more to regular therapy. I have a few issues that I am looking at to see if it is a stressor or not. will talk on that soon.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Routine Follow-up recommended

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back to HCM

I can certainly appreciate her concern about its usefulness, given that you've been on it for some time and were still having troubles. Buspirone is a reasonable choice for augmentation. At a population level it has mixed results, but some people swear by it, and given your improvements it seems perhaps it is helping you!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me more regularly for therapy. I offer it here via my private direct link you have been using. To make it even better, if you'd like to arrange times that are convenient for you, you can give me your email and we'll set up times to talk.

Dr. Sheppe

tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Medication For Mild Anxiety

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello again! Of course I remember you quite well. XXXXXXX (I hope this is your name, I'm guessing from your username), I am absolutely ecstatic about this news. You have clearly been working very hard on working through your issues, dealing with your mother's death, and dealing with the stress of anxiety and breathing troubles, and all that hard work is beginning to pay off. Xanax is indeed a troublesome medication. I personally never prescribe it, because its onset of action is so fast and its half-life so short that it often causes rebound anxiety and people need more and more of it, causing addiction. I prefer to use Klonopin, but indeed all benzos are addictive and cause long-term issues with cognition, so your effort on this front to stay away from these medications is really the very best for your long-term health. How long have you been on the Lexapro? If you recently started it, you can expect even more benefit to come, as onset of action typically takes 4-6 weeks for full effect. Are you on an effective dose? I typically push it as high as 20mg daily until symptoms are controlled. Again, this is fantastic news. Please keep me updated as often as you can afford! I want to do everything possible to help you. And I do offer more regular therapy if that interests you. All my best, Dr. Sheppe tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers