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

Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

Question: I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder 7 years ago and quit getting treatment when my doctor moved to another part of the state. Since then, many changes in my life have taken place including two moves to two different states and the sudden death of my father last year. I am struggling very deeply with this and am having panic attacks daily including night terrors and will no longer leave my home to even see a doctor for my high blood pressure. My dad's 1 year death is coming up on December 27th and I am having even more of a hard time. I am feeling completely helpless. I live in XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
please have courage, you will be fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The most improtant thing is that - the problem can be managed. So, please have courage. I can understand that you were quite attached to your father and the coming date is disturbing you.

I think you understnad that taking medicine is very much necessary for you right now.
You have tried wellbutrin and clonazepam in past. However, consedering your current situation I feel that you need something different which is also safe ( as you are hypertensive ).

I usually go with paroxetine in such cases of severe anxiety. Usually start with 12.5mg and then hike it after seeing response at 1 week.
Along with this : etizolam 0.5mg in morning and afternoon is helpful in handling any anxiety.

It is good if you take zolpidem 12.5mg at night to correct sleep disturbance. 50% of patients of anxiety and depression have comorbid sleep problmes.

Please dont worry- panic attacks will stop and for some days you may take clonazepam 1 mg SOS for them.

Good luck and have a speedy recovery!
Please feel free to ask more queries to clarify any doubts.

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiaty.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (7 minutes later)

Thank you for your kind words, I am trying. Are these medications you recommended over the counter or prescription?Also, do you have any recommendations for doctors in this area where I can get these medications from?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
good luck; make diet & lifestyle changes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have checked- you can get paroxetine OTC and also etizolam. You may however need a prescription for etizaolaam which you may procure from your GP.
The availabilty of OTC meds is variable and depends on the rules of each state.

There are many psychiatrist near your vicinity; you may visit Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX if you feel like.

Take care of yourself and try to go out of your home more frequent- this helps everyone.

Also get TSH levels to rule out thyroid disorder.

Diet: include more green vegetables and fresh leafy salad in diet. They have natural supplements needed by neurons to feel good!

Also, try to cut down on tea and coffee for sometime. They all have caffine and tannins and cause anxiety.

Wish you good health.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (24 minutes later)

Thank you very much

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
take care and get well soon

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.

May God help you in getting back peace.

Please feel free to ask query if something bothers you.

Take care.
Dr. Manisha Gopal

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar