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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Anxiety, Short-term Memory And Confusion

Hi, I am a 52yr old female diagnosed 20yrs ago with dysthymia & social anxiety. I have been on Venlafaxine 375mg for at least a couple of years, have been on a few different antidepressants but venlafaxine has been the best I have tried although lately I have been having difficulty with short term memory, slow thinking/confusion-cant seem to keep up, anxiety & don t want to leave the house or see anyone. I work full time & travel with my job, which is getting harder to do & Im struggling on a daily basis. I also have IBS & approx. 3yrs into menopause. Feel as though I need to give up my job, Im also tired a lot. Thank you
Fri, 21 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Chronic depression or dysthymia and social anxiety cause significant distress to normal functioning. Venlafaxine is a good anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug. You have recently developed difficulty in short term memory, slowed thinking, confusion and anxiety. These symptoms should not be ignored. These can be early symptoms of dementia. Though depression can cause slight impairment of concentration but slowed thinking, loss of memory can be due to dementia. Menopause also increases the risk. I would advise you to consult a Psychiatrist for proper opinion. Mini mental status examination (MMSE) is a test that can detect early cognitive impairment. Medicines like Cognitive enhancers as Donepezil, Rivastigmine are commonly used in early stages of cognitive impairment. The feelings of giving up the job or tiredness could be due to complications of dysthymia.

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Suggest Remedy For Anxiety, Short-term Memory And Confusion

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Chronic depression or dysthymia and social anxiety cause significant distress to normal functioning. Venlafaxine is a good anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug. You have recently developed difficulty in short term memory, slowed thinking, confusion and anxiety. These symptoms should not be ignored. These can be early symptoms of dementia. Though depression can cause slight impairment of concentration but slowed thinking, loss of memory can be due to dementia. Menopause also increases the risk. I would advise you to consult a Psychiatrist for proper opinion. Mini mental status examination (MMSE) is a test that can detect early cognitive impairment. Medicines like Cognitive enhancers as Donepezil, Rivastigmine are commonly used in early stages of cognitive impairment. The feelings of giving up the job or tiredness could be due to complications of dysthymia. Thanks, hope this helps you