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Suggest Ways To Manage Anxiety

Posted on Thu, 1 Oct 2015

Question: I am reallocating to a different country for my work purpose in 1 month . But i am very stressed and anxious about the reallocation processs . And all kinds of negetive thoughts comes into my mind Those thoughts are very naive ones . I had checked everyting like my BP , RBS , PP , Fasting , TSH , T3, T4 and my doctor told that i am having anxiuety thats whats is causing all the discomforet and these negetive thoughts . He prescribed me Stalopam Lite after breakfast for 3 months . After taking the medicne for now like 5 days , i feel lot better . I dont get any negetive exhaustnig thoughts . But my questions is after i stop the medicne , will my anxiety come back ? will it return to the initial stage ? Please suggest .

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
With proper treatment symptoms will not relapse.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Anxiety is nothing but some anticipated fear of known to unknown danger. You are having symptoms because of stress related to relocation to a new country. It is common in individuals to have anxiety to some extent in such situations, but if anxiety becomes intolerable, treatment is needed.

You are on Stalopam lite which consists of Escitalopram which is a SSRI drug. The drug is a good anti anxiety drug and have high efficacy. Now coming to your questions-

- Take the medicines as advised by your doctor and go for regular follow up. In most of individuals the maintenance treatment is advised for at least 6 months post remission of symptoms. If the medicine is tapered properly and not stopped abruptly then anxiety will not relapse.

- Your anxiety is related to stress so removal of stress will also reduce the anxiety. Remain relaxed, don't anticipate, it will not return to initial state.

Thanks, Hope this helps. Take care.

Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 days later)

Thank you so much for your last answer .

I do have couple of other questions . My doctor has prescribed Stalopam Lite for 3 months . My travel date will be on October 2nd 2015 . I will travelling to an European country . My question is will I be able to carry Stalopam Lite of adequate amount to Poland ? And you mentioned about the tapering the medicine properly after its dosage Can you please tell me the process of it ? I take it after breakfast .

Also "maintenance treatment is advised for at least 6 months post remission of symptoms" what does this mean ? please can you explain ?
Another thing is that , will the same drug be available there also ?

Please let me know about my questions .

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can continue the medicines in Poland also

Detailed Answer:
Hello again thanks for asking a follow up

Stalopam Lite consists of Escitalopram (SSRI drug) and low doses of Clonazepam. As you have prescription of the drug you can carry the drug with you without any worries to Poland. But avoid taking medicines of more than 3 mth duration.

Gradual tapering means reducing the doses progressively over 4-6 weeks. Avoid abrupt stoppage of drug as this might cause withdrawal. In your case you can split the tablet in half when the symptoms reduce in severity and after 2 weeks it can be stopped.

Remission means reduction of symptoms. Once symptoms decrease after that treatment is advised for maintenance of symptoms.

You can't purchase medicines in Poland without prescription, for medicines you have to visit a psychiatrist there.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again

Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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