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Suggest Treatment For Costochondritis And Shortness Of Breath

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Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Question: I have costochondritis and can't take a deep breath than I get anxious I am 78 yrs old and have had this off and off since my forties, but now the anxiety is keeping me awake
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Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Additional medicines are required.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

You have costochondritis and shortness of breath. This is causing anxiety and disturbed sleep.

Here are some suggestions for you:
1. Increase the dose of ibuprofen if your pain is not responding to previous doses.

2. For relief of anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed. I feel that the best choice in your case would be paroxetine. This a sedative SSRI which will take care of your anxiety as well as sleep. Other option is mirtazapine.

3. You can also adjust the dose of ativan if the anxiety is intense.

Please visit your nearest psychiatrist/physician to discuss over these points. Any dose changes must be done under supervision of your treating doctor.

Hope this helps you.
Any further queries are welcome.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Costochondritis And Shortness Of Breath

Brief Answer: Additional medicines are required. Detailed Answer: Hello I have read your query and understand your concerns. You have costochondritis and shortness of breath. This is causing anxiety and disturbed sleep. Here are some suggestions for you: 1. Increase the dose of ibuprofen if your pain is not responding to previous doses. 2. For relief of anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed. I feel that the best choice in your case would be paroxetine. This a sedative SSRI which will take care of your anxiety as well as sleep. Other option is mirtazapine. 3. You can also adjust the dose of ativan if the anxiety is intense. Please visit your nearest psychiatrist/physician to discuss over these points. Any dose changes must be done under supervision of your treating doctor. Hope this helps you. Any further queries are welcome. Thanks.