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Suggest Treatment For Dissociative Disorder While Treating Anxiety

Posted on Fri, 2 Dec 2016

Question: Hi, I am on 100 mg Luvox. It is helping with my anxiety. I have dissociative issues but I am not at the far end of that spectrum. I am in therapy and in some ways feel better. Simultaneous I have started to self medicate with alcohol and are having increased internal conflict. I feel torn amongs so many parts of myself. I will stay in therapy but I want to know if there is some medication that can be helpful. I function very highly and I am petrified that people are going to think I am crazy. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

The first step to improve your anxiety would be to stop drinking. Alcohol leads to a significant rebound anxiety and will over time lead to worse anxiety. The second step would be to continue therapy, at least once a week. The last step would be to increase your Luvox dose. You are on a relatively low dose at 100mg. This medication can be dosed as high as 300mg daily, so work with your doctor to slowly increase it until your anxiety improves.

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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. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (34 minutes later)

I guess I was looking for an answer I could not provide myself. I tell myself to stop drinking everyday. And yes, I can up my Luvox but the sexual side effects are already obvious. As I said, I will continue with therapy although every week is out of my reach financially. So, no I don't think the answer was very helpful. On the other hand, I realise that this is possible what anyone will tell me on an online forum.

You were very quick though (ha-ha).

Kind regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
If the sexual side effects of Luvox are bothering you, you can consider augmenting this with Wellbutrin, or switching from Luvox to a medication with fewer sexual side effects that can still treat anxiety well, such as Trintellix or Viibryd.

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. Nagamani Ng