Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hello I am a 35 yr old female with mild but ongoing anxiety. Highly functioning person with a fairly stressful job has impacted my sleep. I suffer from night sweats, tension headaches, stiff neck and jaw from clenching, dry mouth and sleeplessness with regular bouts of insomnia. I have tried a number of anti depressants (lexapro and one other SSRI) and persevered for a few months with both. Did not like taking them, found it very difficult to function and did not feel like myself. Have had better success with ambien/stillnox for sleeplessness but my DR says it's not a long term solution and very dangerous to take for long periods of time. Am I better off with ambien during periods of high stress/no sleep or should I continue with anti-depressants that really didnt help?
I read your query in detail and can understand the trouble you might be facing. You definitely seem to suffer from anxiety and some depressive symptoms as well. I must say, your treating doctor is absolutely right in saying that sedatives are not a long term solution and will actually lead to dependence in long term
As you have mentioned that two medicines (both SSRIs) have not shown any effect on your condition. I would recommend trying some other anti-depressant, like venlafaxine, etc. In addition, you must contemplate the option of psychological therapy in form of cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medicines for your condition. It has been found to be an effective option. You will be needing a trained therapist for the same. Consult your psychiatrist regarding the same. Hope you recover soon. Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, 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]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Is The Treatment For Anxiety?
Hi, I read your query in detail and can understand the trouble you might be facing. You definitely seem to suffer from anxiety and some depressive symptoms as well. I must say, your treating doctor is absolutely right in saying that sedatives are not a long term solution and will actually lead to dependence in long term As you have mentioned that two medicines (both SSRIs) have not shown any effect on your condition. I would recommend trying some other anti-depressant, like venlafaxine, etc. In addition, you must contemplate the option of psychological therapy in form of cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medicines for your condition. It has been found to be an effective option. You will be needing a trained therapist for the same. Consult your psychiatrist regarding the same. Hope you recover soon. Best wishes.