Recently Answered Questions
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How long does cheeks muscle spasm, a side effect of Paroxetine, last?
Query: Hi doctor, After taking Paroxetine 20 mg for GAD, I had three side effects. The two side effects are diffculty in sleeping and lack of appetite. The two were manageable. The third one was a mild spasm in my cheeks. Sometimes, I have tightness and sometimes it seems to be relaxed. These side effects... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As your spasms persist for a long time, I suggest you consult a psychiatrist for an alternative option. If you do not want to change Paroxetine, you can try taking calcium supplements for a few months as sometimes spasms can get improved after taking it. You can do NCV ... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor,I have been dealing with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and panic disorder. I have been taking tablet Sertraline 100 mg, currently. Before that, I was on 75 mg for about three months. I used the tablet Alprazolam at a maximum dose of 0.75 mg,... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. Firstly, there is no need to worry about serotonin syndrome at your current dosage. Since you are only taking Sertraline and no other antidepressants, serotonin syndrome is not a concern. Regarding Diazepam, if you wish to reduce or discont... Read Full »
Is my insomnia and GAD due to smoking?
Query: Hi doctor, I have been suffering from insomnia for so long that I can not even remember the last time I slept normally. If I want to sleep for 8 hours and go to bed on time it does not happen. I usually spend around 24 hours awake to exhaust myself enough so that I can sleep, and I feel that this is... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, We welcome you to icliniq family. Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation. You may have mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it. I would suggest you follow the below guidelines to deal with it. Try to do exe... Read Full »
I have been prescribed multiple new medications for major depression, GAD, and night terrors. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, I visited my psychiatrist recently because I have been struggling with sleep issues. I wanted to explore natural options to supplement my current medication regimen (like melatonin) and also asked about natural remedies for anxiety without altering my existing anxiety medications. Howe... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query and understand your concern. You can discuss tapering off Clonazepam with your treating psychiatrist, as benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for the short–term. The rest looks fine. To address sleeping problems and anxiety through natural... Read Full »
Do antidepressants cause long term side effects?
Query: Hi doctor,I have GAD and consulted an IAPT. They recommended CBT. My doctor prescribed antidepressants and Benzodiazepines. I read on internet that antidepressants harm people and show long-term side effects. Can I opt for other treatment methods? Read Full »
Answer: Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.Avoid referring online for medical information to prevent anxiety. Believe your doctor and ask your doubts about side effects. You can avoid medications if you think they will cause long-term problems. But it is necessary for improving your anxiety. I suggest you reduce the... Read Full »
What medications can be used for chronic GAD and SAD?
Query: Hello doctor, My psychiatrist has decided for years to use only a combination of SSRI and Busipirone permanently to control and manage my chronic GAD and SAD. Which among the SSRIs combination is the best and has the fewest side effects? Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. Coming to SSRI first, the side effects such as sedation and weight gain issue is lower with Prozac ( Fluoxetine). While Zoloft (Sertraline) has a lower rate of weight gain and sedation is a little higher compared ... Read Full »
How can generalized anxiety with DPDR and muscle stiffness be cured completely?
Query: Hello doctor, I have severe generalized anxiety that started 10 years ago and it has become very severe now. I have anxiety attacks, DPDR everyday, muscle stiffness, shaking hands and legs. I had changed four medicines, first on Sertraline no effect, then on Fluoxetine, it works only on specific... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your problem. Anxiety in day to day situations, even without any cause is seen in generalised anxiety disorder. Nexito, Sertraline and Fluoxetine all are SSRI drugs and have great efficacy in anxiety. I personally prefer Escitalopram or Nexito for my... Read Full »
Is there a better medication to use long-term for generalized anxiety disorder?
Query: Hello doctor,I have GAD problem for more than two decades. Right now I am using Mirtazapine 15 mg and Rivotril 0.25 on SOS. Is there a better medication for long-term use? Previously I used Fludac 20 mg, Trazodone 25 mg and Buspar 5 mg (three times). After I shifted to Mirtaz. My problem is insuffic... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. First of all, I would like to know how are you feeling now on the medication? I know you are not satisfied that is why you want to take a second opinion but since how long have you shifted on this combination and how much improvement are you experiencing are two most im... Read Full »
I have had GAD, BPD, and panic disorder since the pandemic. How to overcome them?
Query: Hello doctor, I have GAD, BPD, and panic disorder. I was staying at home during the pandemic and it is almost three years now, and I need to go back to the office next week. Unfortunately, I still feel overwhelmed whenever I go out or ride public transportation vehicles. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation and COVID have changed so many lives. There is worsened and precipitated mental illness due to COVID. You need to push yourself to come out of it. You have to move into the routine life. Y... Read Full »
Is it possible to reduce the side effects of my social phobia medications?
Query: Hi doctor, I will first summarize my case, and then I will put my query. I had been diagnosed to have GAD and social phobia before 10 years, and I was taking Paxil 20 mg daily in the evening along with CBT. The result was excellent. The anxiety and depression went away, but with a very high level of... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query. Out of the three options, the third option would be the best possible concerning the balance between the effectiveness and side effects. Zoloft (Sertraline) and Lexapro (Escitalopram), both are almost equal regarding the side effects and efficacy. Based... Read Full »