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What Causes Numbness And Difficulty In Concentration After Suffering From An Anxiety Attack?

Posted on Fri, 7 Feb 2014

Question: i have an anxiety attack when I drive far away from my house... I get very numb and can't concentrate on the road... I take abilify5mg,trihexyphenidyl2mg,and xanax1mg.... what do I do?... I also have inner restless while waiting for doctor appointments I have no patience I can't leave the house when I do I feel weird please help... great advice from a great doctor....???

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Could be akathesia or anxiety Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. One possibility is that you might have developed an adverse effect from your medicine called akathesia- a movement disorder. The same can be asserted if the symptoms of restless XXXXXXX have started after starting medicines. You should be taking both abilify and trihexyphenidyl in the morning as taking the same during night can increase the anxiety. The other possibility is that you may be having an anxiety disorder as well and in that case paroxetine is a good drug. I prescribe my patients 12.5 mg of paroxetine which helps them a lot and is considered a drug of choice. The other medicines that can be useful are venlafaxine, escitalopram, mirtazapin etc. For symptomatic relief clonazepam and propranolol are also good drugs. Xanax is alprazolam which will also help you anxiety to some extent. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (3 hours later)

so I can take klonopin,paxil together?... what can I take for my paranoia schizophrenia?....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes you may Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the follow-up question. Yes you may take Klonopin and Paxil together. Infact some manufacturers have attempted to combine both of these drugs together. The only problem that can occur is sedation. Try the doses for the first time and see for the amount of sedation. If the sedation is more then the doses of klonopin can be reduced. For paranoid schizophrenia, you are already on abilify and you seem to be doing well with your symptoms. Kindly continue taking the same. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (14 minutes later)

what is sedation?.... ok abilify i am fine it seems I'm just nervous of the summer it tells me to stay in cool places and avoid sunlight... so I was thinking of switching to Seroquel... ok I will drop xanax and switch to klonopin/paxil/ trihexyphenidyl and Seroquel.... sounds like a great combination?...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Sedation is drowsiness Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the follow up. Sedation means drowsiness. It may occur with the combination of drugs. You feel like sleeping. Yes the combination of Seroquel, klonopin, paxil and trihexyphenidyl should be good for you. Do discuss these option with your treating psychiatrist. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (32 minutes later)

ok I will talk to my psychicatrist about the combination of this... Seroquel,paxil,klonopin... but yea I don't want to be sleepy though.... I would stay on the abilify due to cause it helps with concentration but I can't over excercise on that med so that side effect makes me worry.... I have concentrating problems staying on task sometimes..... but ok Seroquel,paxil,and klonopin will be what I suggest to see if they should work.... cause abilify,and xanax and trihexyphenidyl is not really working.... I want to feel motivated not sleepy.....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: That should work Detailed Answer: Hello I am sure that this new combination should work for you. Wish you good XXXXXXX Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (15 minutes later)

this should stop my akathisia/anxiety/agoraphobia?... (get me back into school and maybe work again).... I was concern if I could be able to operate a vehicle too that was me and my family concern also.... but thanks for your advice..... can't wait to get started.... but while I wait for my combination since I have anxiety while I drive far from home and stuff... should I just wait stay homebound until I'm able to switch my Meds?...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: No need to stay back at home Detailed Answer: Hello When you start your meds, you may not stay back at home and certainly start working. The only thing is you should not drive for the initial period untill you explore the sedation of the drugs. Wish you good health. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

alright.. besides sedation will there be anymore side effects to worry about?....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: Not likely Detailed Answer: Hello I have not noticed any more side-effects with these medicines in my patients. Do discuss with your treating psychiatrist before proceeding with these medicines. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (16 minutes later)

ok I will thanks... I thought of becoming a doctor but what will require my education to become one?... if not what other proffessions will be pretty similar to a doctor to help people get over things like this?..

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Regards Detailed Answer: Hello You may require a MBBS and MD after tthat. Or you may take BSc and MSc psychology and the get PhD done in clinical psychology. If you want to take a shorter course, then there are certificate courses in counselling and you may do the same. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (17 minutes later)

Ook... I'm looking for more of a shorter course I don't think i have the patience of learning to be a doctor... but may want something that's like a doctor to be.....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Counsellor should be a good option Detailed Answer: Hello Counsellor should be a good option. You can do some 4-6 months short certificate course in counselling and become a counsellor. You can counsel the patients in distress. Like those of cancer or dementia . You can also handle the care givers of such patients. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (4 hours later)

that seems fine.... or could I just be a nurse and do that also?.... I'm working on not becoming an agoraphobic and be able to get out and comfortable.... like if i ever decide to relocate and live some where else it shouldn't be a problem...Ooo and ever since my attack I'm also sensetive to like a lot of sounds and people around me that's why it would be hard for me in the work force....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (27 hours later)

Brief Answer: Nursing is also a good profession Detailed Answer: Hello Nursing is also a good respectable profession. They are the healers! Regarding your agoraphobia, this is a part of your anxiety disorder and you should be fine ones you start taking the paxil. Regards Dr.Srikanth Reddy MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (11 minutes later)

but one thing I've heard it make you no have any sex drive...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Its not a generalized side-effect Detailed Answer: Hello Paxil may reduce the erection strength while its being taken, but the same occurs very rarely and that too it is temporary until you are on drugs. Ones you are of drugs, the effect wears off. So no problem in trying it ones. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (31 minutes later)

Oo alright.....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Wishing you good health Detailed Answer: Hello I am sure you will do well on these drugs. Wishing you good health! Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (18 minutes later)

have you ever heard of rescue remedy its a anxiety, stress reliever.... a Bach flower its all natural ingredients instead of switching my Meds I could use this to see how I do first then if not switch my Meds... Idk how my anxiety level as became so high I was never like this before like a year ago...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: Herbal preparation can be tried Detailed Answer: Hello Yes I have heard of it, but have not personally prescribed any of my patients. Herbal preparation may benefit sometimes, and you may try taking it with your meds. Nothing wrong in trying. The other option is a St Johns Wort which is also popular. Have you heard of it? Have you tried it any time? Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (20 minutes later)

yes I have heard of it.... never tried it.. I just want my life back and set goals and create a successful future... I just need the right direction to do that.... I sometimes can't even leave my house cause of a fear phobia or drive far from home.. its like I'm scared to be alone unless I'm at home.... my psychiatrist never really talks to me so that's why I look for outside help and guidance.. desperate for my life to be designed well for myself... it'll take time...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: You may discuss any issues you want to Detailed Answer: Hello I understand that you are not happy with your treating psychiatrist. You may taketime but you will be fine with medicines. You can discuss any issue you want to on this forum and I will be more than happy to help you. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (26 minutes later)

ok thanks... well with xanax to make it more effective for my anxiety and inner restlessness how many hours apart should I take xanax and trihexyphenidyl I have to take them 3 times a day but the xanax and trihexyphenidyl seems to not do the trick for me I still have inner restlessness.... and anxiety mainly in the morning.... tough to get up and get my day going....

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Xanax works for 6 hours Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the follow-up. Xanax works for 6 hours and hence can be taken 6-8 hourly. Trihexyphenidyl can also be taken 6-8 hourly but try avoiding trihexyphenidyl in the night as it is an activating drug. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (12 minutes later)

I may need a stronger dose or may need a switch to klonopin because I still have an intense anxiety while being out.... I shouldn't be driving the way I've been acting lately...

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Klonopin is a good drug Detailed Answer: Hello Klonopin is a good option as it is a lonh acting drug. You can try to switch to klonopin. Regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D