HomeAnswersPsychiatrymental healthMy father suffers from a lack of confidence and headaches. Why?

Are a lack of confidence, sleep issues, and headaches worrisome?

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Published At May 10, 2024
Reviewed AtMay 10, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am seeking urgent assistance for my father, who is grappling with various distressing symptoms. He is experiencing a lack of confidence, an intense burning sensation in his head, and struggles to eat while sitting due to breathlessness and impatience. Additionally, he faces difficulty sleeping, finding it hard to fall asleep despite feeling sleepy. He is resting now, and I am hopeful he will sleep well tonight. The gravity of the situation has left me deeply distressed, and I am reaching out for your guidance and support. Kindly guide.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I would appreciate more information about your father's health. Are there any additional medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus (a metabolic disorder causing high sugar in the blood) or hypertension (high blood pressure), that he is dealing with? Is he currently taking any medications? It would also be helpful to know if your father has a history of alcohol abuse or smoking. Conducting specific investigations is recommended, and if the results are within normal ranges, he may be experiencing either depression (prolonged sadness) or anxiety (excessive worry). Is he facing any significant stressors in his life? I suggest a tablet of Alprazolam for sleep disturbances, but a thorough evaluation is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of your father's condition.

Please provide detailed information about your father so I can offer the most appropriate assistance.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

I suggest the following investigations to be done: 1. CBC (complete blood count). 2. RBS (random blood sugar). 3. Thyroid profile. 4. Vitamin B12. 5. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). 6. EKG (electrocardiogram). 7. BP (blood pressure) monitoring. 8. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) brain plain.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, doctor, he is diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, and he consistently takes his prescribed medications. For hypertension, he uses Olmezest 20, and for diabetes, he takes a combination of Linagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride tablets, along with Polybion CZS. Currently, he is also on Levoflox 500, prescribed to address smelly urine following a recent operation. His recent fasting blood sugar levels are 140 and 160 mmol, and his blood pressure fluctuates between 140/70 and 170/90 mmHg, occasionally exceeding the normal range. He used to smoke but quit five years ago. We have not explored the other details you mentioned.

Given his recent sleep disturbances and other behavioral changes, should I consider taking him to a neuropsychiatrist? I am uncertain whether neuropsychiatrists conduct the tests you have recommended, and I am torn between consulting a psychiatrist or a neuropsychiatrist. This behavior started before his prostate enlargement surgery a month ago, which was performed using Holep. He was quite apprehensive before the surgery, experiencing difficulty sleeping and avoiding work due to constant worry. However, after the surgery, he improved and slept well. Unfortunately, these issues have resurfaced in the past few days – he struggles with sleep, avoids social interaction, displays a forced smile, eats hastily due to impatience, and lacks overall patience. I seek your guidance on the next steps to take.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Can your father correctly identify the current time, location, and individuals around him? If he struggles with recognition or shows signs of forgetfulness, it could indicate delirium (a state of acute confusion and rapid changes in brain function). In such a case, I suggest taking him to a physician for evaluation.

Based on the assessment, the physician may recommend consulting either a psychiatrist or a neuro-physician. If all medical investigations yield normal results, psychiatric issues might be considered. Given that your father's blood pressure tends to spike significantly, there is a potential risk of a stroke in the brain. I suggest consulting a physician first and undergoing necessary investigations.

To address sleep disturbances at night, I suggest you administer a safe dose of Alprazolam 0.25 mg to your father. Consult your doctor and take the medicines.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, my father recognized everyone. Today, he visited a neuropsychiatrist recommended by his friend. The doctor prescribed some medication for 30 days after he shared all his concerns. Could you please review the prescribed medication? It includes Alpha-lactalbumin and myoinositol tablets (Alfadep), Trankwil melatonin oral spray, and Galop Plus 10 (first half tablet for seven days, then a whole tablet for the remaining days).

I am particularly concerned about the Alpha-lactalbumin and myoinositol tablets. Online sources suggest that women commonly use these for menstrual problems, PCOS, and hormonal imbalances. Could you clarify why the doctor prescribed this medication? Also, I want to mention that no testing was conducted during the appointment.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The combination of Alpha-lactalbumin and Myoinositol is beneficial not only for addressing PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) but also for managing depression (prolonged sadness) and anxiety (excessive worry). In addition to the prescribed antidepressant and Melatonin for sleep disturbances, your father must continue with all the medications.

Additionally, I suggest your father incorporate the following lifestyle changes to cope with anxiety and depression:

  1. Engage in daily exercises for 30 to 45 minutes, such as going for a walk.

  2. Practice meditation for 20 minutes daily by sitting comfortably and focusing on normal breathing without forcing thoughts to stop.

  3. Consume healthy, home-cooked meals and avoid junk food.

  4. Ensure an adequate intake of water.

  5. Spend quality time with friends and family every day.

  6. Pursue creative hobbies like reading, journaling, painting, drawing, or learning new skills, languages, or musical instruments.

  7. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

  8. Refrain from tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.

  9. Find purpose and joy in life rather than just going through the motions.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Is there a risk of addiction, and could it lead to health issues? My father is already managing hypertension and diabetes and taking Levoflox 500 (antibiotics). Are there potential interactions with these medications that I should be aware of? I am particularly concerned about the possibility of addiction. Additionally, if this medication is continued for an extended period, could it significantly impact overall health, such as the heart and brain?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Prolonged use without medical guidance can lead to addiction; however, Melatonin itself is not addictive. Your father has been prescribed Galop Plus, a combination of two medications - Escitalopram 0.5 mg and Clonazepam 10 mg. It is important to note that Clonazepam can be addictive and ideally should be tapered off after four to six weeks. Nevertheless, considering your father's sleep is crucial, especially for managing anxiety-related increases in blood pressure and sugar levels. Administer these medications safely after meals to prevent acidity issues on an empty stomach. The primary medication for your father is Escitalopram, and it is imperative to continue it under the supervision of your psychiatrist.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My father experienced elevated blood pressure when he checked it. Although he did sleep, he woke up to use the bathroom and then went back to sleep. The main concern is the increase in blood pressure. Could this be attributed to Melatonin or other medications prescribed by the doctor yesterday? Is there a potential interaction with his diabetes and blood pressure medications? His diabetes medication includes a fixed-dose combination of Linagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride tablets, while the hypertension medication is Omazest 20. Please help.

Thank you.

.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It is important to note that neither Melatonin nor any other medications prescribed by your neuro-physician should raise your father's blood pressure. Additionally, there is no indication of drug interactions with his past medications for diabetes or hypertension. Given that your father's blood pressure is high, it is advisable to consult your physician for effective management. They may consider introducing another antihypertensive or adjusting the dosage of the current medication. If your father experiences sleepiness, suggest to discontinue Melatonin. Regarding Galop plus (Escitalopram 0.5 mg and Clonazepam 10 mg), maintain a half-dose; avoid administering a full tablet even after seven days

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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