Is it safe to continue taking Divalproex sodium for a long time?
Hello doctor,
I have been taking 250 mg of Depakote daily for the past year to manage my bipolar symptoms. Initially, two years back, I started with a daily dose of 500 mg. Since then, I have not experienced any mood swings or depressive symptoms throughout the past year. I have a history of trauma and depression. I used to take Risdone 1mg, but I have gradually tapered off it over the past year.
Given the current stability of my mood and mental state, I am contemplating whether it is advisable and safe to continue taking Depakote in the long term. I am uncertain if the medication is still necessary for me. I am also seeking guidance on whether I should consider any medical tests to ensure that the medication is not causing any hidden negative side effects. For instance, when the medications were initially prescribed, my psychiatrists recommended LFT and a CBC. Should I proceed with these tests or any others to ensure the ongoing safety and appropriateness of my medication regimen? Please clarify.
Thank you.
25 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
How to cope with sleeping difficulty, stress, anger issues, anxiety attacks, and suicidal thoughts?
Hello doctor,
If I am not able to sleep, I will not sleep for so many days. If I want to sleep, I will sleep the whole day. I feel so stressed, and I do not have anybody to talk with. I feel so much anger inside me these days, which I am unable to control. Sometimes, I get suicidal thoughts and get anxiety attacks, too. Please help.
15 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
I am experiencing intrusive thoughts and it makes me awake. Suggest an effective way to combat it.
I am only 14 years old, yet i have been experiencing rather bizarre thoughts for 2 years. Sometimes i would randomly think of something/questions and i cannot get it out of my head. I will always want to seek the answer to the question and it is very hard to ignore or suppress it. This affects my sleeping schedule as i will always be kept awake by the intrusive thoughts. Also, sometimes when i ask my friends questions and they do not answer, i will feel uneasy and anxious. I always get stuck on the past and am a very emotionally sensitive person. Additionally, i always second guess myself and sometimes would repeatedly check if something is done right. I am on no medication, and the only way im coping is by constantly occupying myself. May i ask what type of behaviour/disorder this is called because i cannot find results and i really want to find a more effective way to combat this
28 Dec 2023 - 1 min read
What factors contribute to anxiety disorders?
Hello doctor,
I am a 27 years old male who has been struggling with symptoms of anxiety for the past three years, and I am finding it increasingly challenging to overcome them. Over the years, I have experienced persistent feelings of unease, restlessness, and a constant sense of worry. I often find it difficult to concentrate, and I frequently experience racing thoughts and difficulty sleeping. Lately, I have noticed that these symptoms have intensified, impacting my daily life and overall well-being. Are there specific treatment approaches, such as therapy or medication, that you would recommend? Are there any lifestyle changes or coping strategies that could help me manage my anxiety symptoms more effectively?
Kindly help.
04 Oct 2023 - 1 min read
Hello doctor,
I am a 20-year-old male. I have problems with physical symptoms of social anxiety (mainly sweating, trembling, cold hands, and a lump in the throat).
My questions are:
1. Would psychopharmacological treatments, such as SSRIs and Beta-Blockers, be effective in treating these symptoms?
2. Do you recommend visiting a general physician to get the prescription for those medications?
3. Can these medications permanently cure my social anxiety if I incorporate CBT and exposure therapy with them?
Thank you.
23 Mar 2021 - 1 min read
