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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness And Anxiety
Question: I have taken lexapro 20mg for around ten years for GAD/panic disorder. In the beginning I took name brand lexapro. I was switched to generic and did okay. I hah increased anxiety but nothing I couldn't handle. Three months ago I was switched to yet another generic form and have had severe anxiety and panic since. I have also had severe GI issues, dizziness, and sweating. I simply feel horrible and unlike myself. Could there be a correlation between going to this form of generic and my symptoms? I was told by an endocrinologist years ago that I was to never take generics as I have gene mutations that will not allow me to metabolize medications properly anyway. I also take 1mg Ativan PO QID, synthroid 50mcg PO QD, and aspirin 325mg PO QD. ANY ADVICE AT ALL WOULD BE HELPFUL.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Generic medications are exactly the same as name brand medications. There is no meaningful difference between them, so I do not think this is the cause of the problem. Your symptoms are concerning given the Ativan use, which is a relatively high dose -- has Ativan use changed at all recently? You might be developing a tolerance to it, as it is addictive. I recommend two things: talking with your doctor about weaning off Ativan, and starting cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT), which is much more effective than Ativan and much safer.
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
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Generic medications are exactly the same as name brand medications. There is no meaningful difference between them, so I do not think this is the cause of the problem. Your symptoms are concerning given the Ativan use, which is a relatively high dose -- has Ativan use changed at all recently? You might be developing a tolerance to it, as it is addictive. I recommend two things: talking with your doctor about weaning off Ativan, and starting cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT), which is much more effective than Ativan and much safer.
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
Answered by
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