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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety

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Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Question: Hi. I am having great trouble with anxiety. I've tried things like yoga and acupuncture and am still having episodes. It comes and gos, especially in high stress situations and I believe that I may need some type of medication to help me. I don't have insurance or a regular doctor.
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Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer: SSRI medication or CBT can be quite helpful... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are going through a difficult time due to your anxiety problems. You have mentioned that you have already tried simple remedies like yoga and accupuncture, but have not found much benefit. In such a case, I would advise you to take professional help and treatment. Now, there are different treatment options available for anxiety disorders. One option is to try medication. Generally, SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medication like Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, etc. are used as first line medication to treat anxiety disorders. Usually, they are started at a low dose and the dose is built up gradually over a period of a few weeks to the adequate dosage. Sometimes, if the anxiety is severe and quick control of symptoms is desired, then benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication like Alprazolam, Clonazepam, etc. can be used temporarily. It is important to realize that benzodiazepines should be taken only as a short term remedy because there is a risk of dependence, if taken for prolonged periods of time. There are also certain effective psychological therapies, such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy_ which have also benn proven to be quite effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Due to the rules and restrictions on this website, I would not be able to prescribe any medication online for you. So, I would advise you to meet a local doctor and discuss with him about the various options that I have given, so that you can be started on the appropriate treatment. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety

Brief Answer: SSRI medication or CBT can be quite helpful... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are going through a difficult time due to your anxiety problems. You have mentioned that you have already tried simple remedies like yoga and accupuncture, but have not found much benefit. In such a case, I would advise you to take professional help and treatment. Now, there are different treatment options available for anxiety disorders. One option is to try medication. Generally, SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medication like Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, etc. are used as first line medication to treat anxiety disorders. Usually, they are started at a low dose and the dose is built up gradually over a period of a few weeks to the adequate dosage. Sometimes, if the anxiety is severe and quick control of symptoms is desired, then benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication like Alprazolam, Clonazepam, etc. can be used temporarily. It is important to realize that benzodiazepines should be taken only as a short term remedy because there is a risk of dependence, if taken for prolonged periods of time. There are also certain effective psychological therapies, such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy_ which have also benn proven to be quite effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Due to the rules and restrictions on this website, I would not be able to prescribe any medication online for you. So, I would advise you to meet a local doctor and discuss with him about the various options that I have given, so that you can be started on the appropriate treatment. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist