What Causes Sudden Breathlessness, Choking And Depression In A 38 Year Old Woman?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Question: I am a 38 y/o female going through a divorce. I work in the addiction field and am a recovering alcoholic. I consistently wake up everyday not being able to breathe and that I am choking. I am currently on leave from my job and do not think I cud ever go back. I am very depressed and scared all of the time. I don't know why I can't work but I know that I cannot breathe when I am there. I am becoming scared to leave the house and I have so much emotion swirling in my head and body that I feel paralyzed. Can someone tell me what is happening?

I meant to say i take cymbalta, lamictal, klonopin, and trazadone for my meds

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time. Here are my thoughts.

What you describe is a mixture of anxiety, panic symptoms, and depression. Bipolar depression can be difficult to treat. Standard treatment involves a mood stabilizer like Lamictal, lithium, or depakote, and either an antidepressant or a neuroleptic. I would suggest that if Lamictal and Cymbalta are not working, you may need a change. I would suggest trying Latuda or Abilify, two neuroleptics proven to help bipolar depression. As for the anxiety/panic, you may need a higher dose of Klonopin. Alternately, if medications are not helpful, an equally effective measure is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You should attempt to locate a CBT therapist in your area.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad