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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Question: I have been suffering anxiety and panic since XXXXXXX . Doctor has tried lamictal, Ativan ,inderal and lexspro . Had changed my meds to lamictal ,Ativan,inderal ,seoquil and a new drug brintilkex . My main concern had been my visual distortions which started the day of panic attack and had not stopped . I went to eye doctor after it started they found no cause . Is this a caused by my anxiety disorder and will it go away . My psychiatrist does not think it's related but I think it has to be . Thanks for helping .
Brief Answer:
Visual distortions can present as symptom of anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I have read your query and I can understand your concern. You have developed symptoms of anxiety and panic since last XXXXXXX and are having visual distortions since then. The eye examination revealed nothing significant. You are currently on Lorazepam, Propranolol, Qutiapine and Vortioxetine. Over all these drugs are safe and if we consider visual distortions as side effect none of the drugs you are taking can cause these side effects. Secondly these are present since start of your panic attacks.
Every thing came normal including eye examination and there is no significant medical history. Though I have not examined you but if I go through history then most likely the cause is anxiety only. But before making any conclusion, I would advise you to get your CT Scan Head done in order to rule out any lesion in brain which could be the cause of such symptoms (though the possibility is rare). Secondly get your Thyroid hormone levels and B12 levels checked. Deficiency of both these metabolic parameters can present with increased risk of panic attacks and visual distortions.
Just to sum up the points which favour anxiety as cause of visual distortions is-
- The symptoms started since start of panic only.
- Eye examination came normal and nothing significant found.
- If the investigations I have mentioned come normal.
I would advise you to continue to take medicines and if possible discuss with your psychiatrist to increase the dose of Brintillex, coz higher doses will provide effective control of anxiety. Try relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation to prevent anxiety attacks and to reduce visual distortions.
If symptoms persist even after that consult a psychologist for Behaviour Therapy. Behaviour therapy with progressive muscle relaxation exercise will help to distract you and will keep anxiety away.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask a follow up question if you have more uncleared doubts.
Visual distortions can present as symptom of anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I have read your query and I can understand your concern. You have developed symptoms of anxiety and panic since last XXXXXXX and are having visual distortions since then. The eye examination revealed nothing significant. You are currently on Lorazepam, Propranolol, Qutiapine and Vortioxetine. Over all these drugs are safe and if we consider visual distortions as side effect none of the drugs you are taking can cause these side effects. Secondly these are present since start of your panic attacks.
Every thing came normal including eye examination and there is no significant medical history. Though I have not examined you but if I go through history then most likely the cause is anxiety only. But before making any conclusion, I would advise you to get your CT Scan Head done in order to rule out any lesion in brain which could be the cause of such symptoms (though the possibility is rare). Secondly get your Thyroid hormone levels and B12 levels checked. Deficiency of both these metabolic parameters can present with increased risk of panic attacks and visual distortions.
Just to sum up the points which favour anxiety as cause of visual distortions is-
- The symptoms started since start of panic only.
- Eye examination came normal and nothing significant found.
- If the investigations I have mentioned come normal.
I would advise you to continue to take medicines and if possible discuss with your psychiatrist to increase the dose of Brintillex, coz higher doses will provide effective control of anxiety. Try relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation to prevent anxiety attacks and to reduce visual distortions.
If symptoms persist even after that consult a psychologist for Behaviour Therapy. Behaviour therapy with progressive muscle relaxation exercise will help to distract you and will keep anxiety away.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask a follow up question if you have more uncleared doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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