HomeAnswersPsychiatrymental healthI have depression, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. Should I be concerned?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 29, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 39-year-old man with ADHD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia for the past 20 years. I also have irritable bowel syndrome, which worsens my agoraphobia. I get nightmares like my car breaking down and becoming incontinent with my bowels. I am terrified of becoming incontinent in public, making me stay indoors. I am helpless and entirely housebound now due to my suicidal thoughts. I am currently taking Pregabalin, Mirtazapine, Escitalopram, Propranolol, Quetiapine, and Diazepam occasionally. I cannot work due to my agoraphobia, and I consulted psychologists and counselors and underwent therapies like CBT, ACT, NLP, and hypnotherapy. I have also tried SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and nasal Esketamine. Unfortunately, these treatments did not help me. I have read every book on agoraphobia and tried my best to overcome my depression, resulting in maladaptive defensive behavior. I did try Methylphenidate, but the side effects were severe. One drug that helped the depression was Aripiprazole, but I could not sleep due to panic attacks. What should I do for my mental health? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The long-term solution to your problem is to try a different class of drugs. So I suggest you drug combinations like benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-psychotic medications along with tablet Venlafaxine (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), capsule Duloxetine (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), capsule Fluoxetine (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), and tablet Vortioxetine (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

Could you explain in detail the different class of drugs? I am currently taking Pregabalin 300 mg twice daily, Quetiapine 150 mg, Mirtazapine 30 mg, Escitalopram 20 mg, Propranolol 40 mg thrice daily, and Diazepam as and when required. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I meant about the various drug combinations like SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), anti-psychotic drugs, TCA (tricyclic antidepressants), and atypical antidepressants should solve your problem. Consult your psychiatrist.

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

Dr. Vandana Patidar
Dr. Vandana Patidar

Psychiatry

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