Why am I having a feeling of hopelessness?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am having feelings such as hopelessness, nervousness and shortness of breath. My ECG and lipids are fine and my physician advised no problem with my heart and breath. He says it is due to depression and anxiety. I have some vertigo. Sometimes I feel less control over my body, restless, sleepy feeling and yawning, negative thinking, depressed mood and not interested in anything. Kindly suggest suitable medicine. Already I am taking Stalopam 10 bd, Alprax 0.25 bd, Fluoxetine 20 od and Trixia when feeling excessive nervousness. Also I am taking Olmetime-H 20 od for BP and Mactor-EZ od for cholesterol. Are these medicines and their dosage are fine as per my symptoms? Or should I change them? Kindly help me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your complaint. You are suffering from depression and anxiety as per your doctor. If you are not seeing any improvement with these drugs then you can ask for increase in dose or consider switching to another class of drug after consultation with your doctor. Changing prescription abruptly or discontinuation may lead to exaggeration of symptoms or withdrawal symptoms. Moreover these drugs have major side effects and thus require continuous patient monitoring and follow up. Some good alternatives like Paroxetine may be tried and could be helpful in treating anxiety in low doses. Also if you are not tolerant to drug therapy, then you may look forward to cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy is taken by a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired thoughts and tries to correct them. They are 15 to 20 minute weekly session may help you with your illness. Thank you.