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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Severe Anxiety Be Treated?

I have a raging general anxiety disorder that my provider has been treating with 2mg of Lorazepam x4 and 450 mg of Effexor x1 for about a year an a half, but in te last few weeks it has fueling thoughts of drinking just to help quell this tempest in my mind. I ve been sober 10+ years and I know drinking in reality is noteven close to a practical solution, but it certainly speaks to the intensity of my anxiety. I see a very bright Therapist too, but I was wondering if you had any psychotropic suggestions. Thank you sincerely, Curtis
Wed, 30 May 2018
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The uncontrollable thoughts of drinking could be part of anxiety. If there are any issues in sleep then please consult your doctor to increase the dose of Lorazepam. You are already taking Lorazepam and drinking while on Lorazepam could worsen the symptoms.

To reduce the craving Baclofen can be added to your prescription. Baclofen can help to reduce the uncontrollable thoughts.

Before starting the medicines please talk with your therapist and see if this helps.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Severe Anxiety Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The uncontrollable thoughts of drinking could be part of anxiety. If there are any issues in sleep then please consult your doctor to increase the dose of Lorazepam. You are already taking Lorazepam and drinking while on Lorazepam could worsen the symptoms. To reduce the craving Baclofen can be added to your prescription. Baclofen can help to reduce the uncontrollable thoughts. Before starting the medicines please talk with your therapist and see if this helps. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.