HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Medication For Anxiety

My husband suffers from anxiety. He took Ativan for several months & became dependent on it. Was changed to Clonazepam in February and switched to Olanzapine in August. He was not taking Olanzapine but every 4 or 5 days and only 1/4 of a tablet. Recently he is having more frequent episodes of anxiety again. We are trying to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. Do you have any suggestions until we get an appointment?
Fri, 8 Jan 2016
Report Abuse
  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Hi,
I've gone through your query and I understand quite well your concern
Based on what you referred to me, before you consult with a psychiastric, I suggest you husband first to try:
1.Cognitive-behavioral therapy which is a type of behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy for anxiety usually takes between 5 and 20 weekly sessions.This therapy focuses on thoughts or cognitions in addition to behaviors. In anxiety disorder treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that lead to his anxiety.
2. Exposure therapy for anxiety disorder treatment will encourage him to confront his fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures to the feared object or situation, he will gain a greater sense of control. As he faces his fear without being harmed, his anxiety will gradually diminish.
Anxiety medications can be habit forming and cause unwanted side effects. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks and you must also know that the medication is most effective when combined with behavioral therapy and self help strategies.
I suggest also him to:
1.Get enough sleep: He should try to sleep seven to nine hours becuase it will help to relief anxious thought and feelings.
2.Practice relaxation techniques, such as : meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
3.Eat an healthy diet.He can try to eat breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more anxious.
4. He should reduce alcohol and nicotine. They lead to more anxiety.
5. He should exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise is a natural stress buster and anxiety reliever.

So, please tell your husband to try all these strategies, before he starts another treatment!

Wish him good health,
Dr. Ermira Biu

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Medication For Anxiety

Hi, I ve gone through your query and I understand quite well your concern Based on what you referred to me, before you consult with a psychiastric, I suggest you husband first to try: 1.Cognitive-behavioral therapy which is a type of behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy for anxiety usually takes between 5 and 20 weekly sessions.This therapy focuses on thoughts or cognitions in addition to behaviors. In anxiety disorder treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that lead to his anxiety. 2. Exposure therapy for anxiety disorder treatment will encourage him to confront his fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures to the feared object or situation, he will gain a greater sense of control. As he faces his fear without being harmed, his anxiety will gradually diminish. Anxiety medications can be habit forming and cause unwanted side effects. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks and you must also know that the medication is most effective when combined with behavioral therapy and self help strategies. I suggest also him to: 1.Get enough sleep: He should try to sleep seven to nine hours becuase it will help to relief anxious thought and feelings. 2.Practice relaxation techniques, such as : meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being. 3.Eat an healthy diet.He can try to eat breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more anxious. 4. He should reduce alcohol and nicotine. They lead to more anxiety. 5. He should exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise is a natural stress buster and anxiety reliever. So, please tell your husband to try all these strategies, before he starts another treatment! Wish him good health, Dr. Ermira Biu