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Suggest Remedy For Severe Anxiety

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Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016
Question: I have been using Zoloft for 5 weeks now for anxiety and it is not helping at all. My anxiety almost seems worse and I don't know what to do.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Augmentation can be done

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. Zoloft is Sertraline and is a SSRI drug. In most cases the drug takes time to show its full effects. 4-6 weeks are needed for response. What dose of drug you are taking?

What are your prominent symptoms?

Augmentation can be done with other drugs or the medicine can be replaced with other drug. Please provide me more details of your symptoms so that we can go further.

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (22 hours later)
50 mg once a day. I have very painful tightening in my chest all the time. I have already had a stress test and an echocardiogram and my heart is fine so I know it is the anxiety causing this. I just want it to go away before it causes damage. It has been almost a year since this started.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The dose of Sertraline should be increased to 100 mg per day.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for providing details.

Your stress test and ECHO came normal so any serious heart condition can be ruled out easily. The painful tightening in chest is occurring most probably due to anxiety and should be treated properly.

The dose of 50 mg is less for Sertraline and this should be increased. In my opinion the dose should be increased to at least 100 mg per day to get good effects. Apart from this I'd advise you to take Vitamin B12 supplements containing Methylcobalamine and this will help in quick response and will control your anxiety.

Avoid excess tea, coffee, carbonated drinks or alcohol. Take proper sleep for at least 7 hours a day. Exercise daily and practice yoga or muscle relaxation exercises and this will help in reducing the symptoms.

Thanks. Hope this helps you. Take care

Still have doubts please ask again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Severe Anxiety

Brief Answer: Augmentation can be done Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic I can understand your concern. Zoloft is Sertraline and is a SSRI drug. In most cases the drug takes time to show its full effects. 4-6 weeks are needed for response. What dose of drug you are taking? What are your prominent symptoms? Augmentation can be done with other drugs or the medicine can be replaced with other drug. Please provide me more details of your symptoms so that we can go further. Thanks