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What Causes Anxiety?
Question: For the past 6 weeks I've been experiencing pressure in my head. Above,below,behind my eyes, around my ears, and to the back of my head and neck. My ears feel full and clogged very sensitive to sound. My eyes are light sensitive at times. I'am dizzy and unstable on my feet. I also feel like my head is in a cloud, foggy in thought. my anxiety is very acute and feel panicy and fearful. Some people have suggested that it my be your anxiety/depression and panic medications. I take LEXAPRO 10 mil. once a day and ATIVAN 1 mg x 4 a day. Can you help and advise me as to what to do,thank you.
Brief Answer:
Please see details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can understand the concern that you must be having with your current set of symptoms. From what you have mentioned, it seems that your are having exacerbation of anxiety. The symptoms that you have listed are symptoms of anxiety.
However, I would not say that they are because of your medications or due to withdrawal effects of lexapro. The medications Lexapro (escitalopram) and ativan (lorazepam) are meant to reduce anxiety and you seemingly had been doing fine on these for many years. Regarding escitalopram, it doesn't cause any dependence. It may cause withdrawal symptoms but only if you reduce the dose suddenly.
So, I feel that your condition of anxiety has worsened over past few weeks. Had I been your treating doctor, I would have increased the dose of escitalopram (initially 15 mg per day and later on upto 20 mg/day). This medicine has been helping you, so it makes sense that its dose is first increased so that it can help you better.
Another thing that can be done is to shift from ativan (lorazepam) to a longer acting benzodiazepine like clonazepam (equivalent dose will 2 mg/day) which will help provide a better cover through out the day for reducing anxiety. You can discuss regarding these option with your treating physician/ psychiatrist.
In addition, try doing some amount of morning walk and meditation on a daily basis. It will help keeping you relaxed and feel better.
Hope, that answers your query. In case of any further query, please feel free to ask.
Wishing you speedy recovery,
Dr, Sunil Gupta
Please see details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can understand the concern that you must be having with your current set of symptoms. From what you have mentioned, it seems that your are having exacerbation of anxiety. The symptoms that you have listed are symptoms of anxiety.
However, I would not say that they are because of your medications or due to withdrawal effects of lexapro. The medications Lexapro (escitalopram) and ativan (lorazepam) are meant to reduce anxiety and you seemingly had been doing fine on these for many years. Regarding escitalopram, it doesn't cause any dependence. It may cause withdrawal symptoms but only if you reduce the dose suddenly.
So, I feel that your condition of anxiety has worsened over past few weeks. Had I been your treating doctor, I would have increased the dose of escitalopram (initially 15 mg per day and later on upto 20 mg/day). This medicine has been helping you, so it makes sense that its dose is first increased so that it can help you better.
Another thing that can be done is to shift from ativan (lorazepam) to a longer acting benzodiazepine like clonazepam (equivalent dose will 2 mg/day) which will help provide a better cover through out the day for reducing anxiety. You can discuss regarding these option with your treating physician/ psychiatrist.
In addition, try doing some amount of morning walk and meditation on a daily basis. It will help keeping you relaxed and feel better.
Hope, that answers your query. In case of any further query, please feel free to ask.
Wishing you speedy recovery,
Dr, Sunil Gupta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX did you get my additional medical information in response to your first reply to my original medical question? respond to my e-mail address, thank you, and looking forward to hearing from you. My email is, YYYY@YYYY ...
Brief Answer:
No. I didn't.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for following up.
I am sorry but I haven't received any further response to my reply. Can you please send it again.
Regarding responding on e-mail, I am sorry I would not be able to do that. I would prefer to discuss the issues over here, if you can please. I am sorry once again.
Please do send further information so that I could reply accordingly.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sunil Gupta
No. I didn't.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for following up.
I am sorry but I haven't received any further response to my reply. Can you please send it again.
Regarding responding on e-mail, I am sorry I would not be able to do that. I would prefer to discuss the issues over here, if you can please. I am sorry once again.
Please do send further information so that I could reply accordingly.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sunil Gupta
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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