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What causes lethargy and sluggish mental activity?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My health check-up report is enclosed. I feel a bit lethargic and experience sluggish mental activity. Please advise me on some medications. I am already taking Aspirin and Atorvastatin.

kindly advise.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The probable reason for all your symptoms is obesity, which leads to fatty liver and some psychological issues. Do you drink alcohol or smoke? Do you experience anxiety or depressive symptoms?

Regarding treatment, you can continue with your current medications. While Aspirin is necessary, Atorvastatin should also be continued. The most important aspect you need to focus on is lifestyle modification. Your liver is swollen due to the accumulation of fat and is currently enlarged. It is classified as grade II and may progress to liver cirrhosis if not addressed. The treatment for this condition is weight loss.

You should adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding fatty, oily, and high-calorie foods. Maintain a low-salt diet and monitor your blood pressure regularly; it should not be persistently above 140/90 mmHg. Engage in regular exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Include plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and fish in your diet once or twice a week, and avoid meat.

Additionally, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as consuming sweetened beverages. It is important to prevent abdominal fat deposition and obesity. Weight loss is essential. Have your lipid levels rechecked in two to three months, and consider visiting a gastroenterologist for your enlarged liver. Incorporating yoga and meditation, as well as relaxation techniques like deep breathing, can also be beneficial.

The rest of your reports(attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), including the ECG (electrocardiogram), are normal. Overall, there is no need to worry; just make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I smoke and have complaints of anxiety and depression. Please suggest medications for the well-being of my liver. My blood pressure is consistently low, in the range of 110/70 mmHg.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

At this stage, there is an accumulation of fat in the liver, but no liver damage is occurring, as evidenced by normal SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) and SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase) levels. Therefore, medication is not needed. However, the measures to reduce the fat in the liver, which I suggested above, should be taken seriously. Studies have shown that at this stage, medication provides no benefit and may unnecessarily cause side effects. A healthy lifestyle is the best option.

Additionally, you should get vaccinated for hepatitis B and hepatitis A, and alcohol should be strictly avoided. You should repeat your liver function tests after six months to check for any damage. For your anxiety and depression, you can get a prescription for Escitalopram 10 mg to take at bedtime from your local doctor. This lethargy and sluggishness are also part of this.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At February 19, 2017
Reviewed AtSeptember 15, 2025

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