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Suggest Treatment For Severe General Anxiety In An Obese Person

Posted on Fri, 30 Dec 2016

Question: Hi I suffer from general anxiety disorder for the past 6 years. I have suffered from panic attacks in the past which have led me to the ER on several occasions. My main concern is my fluctuating BP I'm currently on bp medication twynsta 40/5. On waking my bp is normally 130/70 or so. During the day it can still fluctuate up to 180/90 for brief periods but it always returns to normal readings in minutes. Over the years I have had ct scans X-rays ecgs ultrasounds that have all been normal. I've had 5 medicals this year ! My recent was last week all normal blood and urine results. The bp still worries me. My GP assures me that my anxiety is doing this to me. I just find it hard to accept that my anxiety is making my bp rise to such a degree. I would just like another opinion on this. Male 57 years old slightly overweight no other health issues non smoker occasional drinker. Was diagnosed with ptsd 6 years ago. Former police officer.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Anxiety has an enormous impact on blood pressure. Anxiety in the amygdala in the brain releases stress hormones which raise blood pressure. I highly recommend treatment for anxiety, which will in turn lower your blood pressure. Treatment options include SSRI medication such as escitalopram, or weekly psychotherapy.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 minutes later)

Tks Dr my gp wants me to start zoloft for my anxiety but im reluctant to take this due to side effects ive read about. But i realise i have to get this under control. I occasionaly take an ativan when im extemely anxious but this is rare as i dont want to be addicted to them. The bp issues scare me the most but im glad all my test results have been good. I made the mistake of googling my symptoms in the past which led me to believe i had all sorts of horrible illneses! This started my journey of increasing anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I would strongly advise taking Zoloft. Over time this will diminish your anxiety. It has very few side effects, mostly minor GI upset for the first few days of taking it, which goes away.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 minutes later)

Hi Dr just one last question so you agree with my GP that my anxiety is causing these high bp flutuations. I guess it scares the life out of me. I was worried that it was a kidney issue. But all my tests have been good. I speak to some people with anxiety issues and not many people seem to have such bp surges as i do. This unfortunatey has led me to ER on several occasions.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I totally agree with your GP that anxiety is causing these BP readings. Medically, you have nothing to worry about. I strongly recommend trying Zoloft.

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. Raju A.T