Can You Safely Combine Venlafaxine, Alprazolam, and Clonazepam?
Medication Consultation Hello, doctor. I am currently taking the following medications due to social anxiety: Venlafaxine 75 mg twice daily and Alprazolam 0.5 mg once daily before bed. A few days ago, I was prescribed Clonazepam 0.5 mg to take once daily before bed for tinnitus, ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. If it helps with the symptoms, it is fine to take them together. 2. Stopping Rifampicin after one month of use may carry a higher risk (there could be withdrawal symptoms). It may be better to first reduce the dosage by half and then gradually discontinue the medication...[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Venlafaxine, Alprazolam, and Clonazepam?
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Psychiatric Medications
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with depression, insomnia, and irritability earlier this year. I have been under treatment and taking medication for over three months. I recently had a follow-up appointment and was advised to stop the medication. It has been...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Your situation seems to be a withdrawal reaction from the medication. The duration of withdrawal varies for each individual depending on their condition, constitution, and the dosage of the medication, ranging from a few days to several weeks. You can choose to tough it ou...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Psychiatric Medications
Am I Depressed? Understanding Emotional Instability and Self-Harm
Do I have depression? Since the end of March, my emotions have been very unstable. When I'm feeling good, I seem normal, but when I'm feeling bad, it's like I have a different personality. In March, I would break down and cry uncontrollably, shedding tears without ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: It seems that your mood is often low, and you may have involuntary thoughts of self-harm or even thoughts of wanting to die. This is very likely a symptom of depression, and bipolar disorder should also be considered. I recommend that you seek medical attention from a ment...[Read More] Am I Depressed? Understanding Emotional Instability and Self-Harm
Understanding Sleep Issues and Paranoia in OCD Patients
Medical inquiry Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask two questions. 1. Recently, I have been waking up at 5 or 6 AM but feel very sleepy and cannot fall back asleep, even though I had enough sleep the night before. What should I do? 2. When I am outside, I often feel a sensation li...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: 1. It seems that you are experiencing early awakening, which is considered a type of insomnia. However, there are many potential causes for this condition, including circadian rhythm disturbances, disruptions in the sleep environment, psychological stress, mental health di...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Paranoia in OCD Patients
Understanding Hair Pulling, Anxiety, and Social Withdrawal in Teens
Hair pulling, procrastination, anxiety, social withdrawal? Hello, doctor. I am currently a 16-year-old high school freshman. Since preparing for the entrance exams in my third year of middle school, I have developed a bad habit of pulling my hair. At that time, I thought it was j...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of hair pulling are often an outlet for emotions and stress, serving as a form of non-verbal expression. The fundamental treatment approach should focus on reducing underlying stress or adjusting coping mechanisms for stress. Given the current situation, it is...[Read More] Understanding Hair Pulling, Anxiety, and Social Withdrawal in Teens
Understanding Hair Pulling, Anxiety, and Social Withdrawal in Teens
Hair pulling, procrastination, anxiety, social withdrawal? Hello, doctor. I am currently a 16-year-old high school freshman. Since the time I was preparing for the entrance exam in junior high, I developed a bad habit of pulling my hair. At that time, I thought it was just due to...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of hair pulling are often an outlet for emotions and stress, serving as a form of non-verbal expression. The fundamental treatment approach should focus on reducing the underlying stress or adjusting coping mechanisms for stress. Given the current situation, i...[Read More] Understanding Hair Pulling, Anxiety, and Social Withdrawal in Teens
Can Schizophrenia Patients Obtain Multiple Long-Acting Injections?
Can long-acting injectable antipsychotics be obtained in multiple doses at once? I am a patient with schizophrenia and am currently receiving long-acting injections every three months. I am considering a work assignment abroad, but according to the current health insurance regula...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: Currently, the health insurance policy indeed recommends follow-up visits every three months. It is not possible to carry multiple syringes abroad. If you are unable to return to the country, you may need to pay out of pocket for medical treatment abroad to stabilize your ...[Read More] Can Schizophrenia Patients Obtain Multiple Long-Acting Injections?
Am I Experiencing Depression? A High School Student's Struggle
Could you please tell me if there is a possibility that I have depression? Hello, doctor. I am currently a high school student, and since the end of March, I have been experiencing significant emotional instability. I visited the counseling office on April 11. During this time, I...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned in your letter, you are exhibiting typical symptoms of depression. It is advisable to seek consultation with a specialist as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Depression? A High School Student's Struggle
Can a Doctor Diagnose Mental Health Issues You Can't Discuss?
I'm not sure if a doctor's visit can reveal that? Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions last time. Regarding my previous inquiry, I would like to ask again. I don't feel comfortable discussing my issues with my parents because I'm afraid that if I tell...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that "hiccups, hand tremors, sweating, dry heaving, facial flushing, and a blank mind" only occur in specific situations, which you previously described as "being on stage, performing, facing a crowd, or speaking with unfamiliar or unknown indi...[Read More] Can a Doctor Diagnose Mental Health Issues You Can't Discuss?
Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions
Is it obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? I was doing fine at work before, but then a factory dog enthusiastically jumped on me. Since that day, when I returned to my old home, I feel like my body, my scooter, and even my feet, along with the soles of my slippers, need to be was...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiaoxiao: Your symptoms seem to indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I recommend that you read the book "The OCD Workbook" or consider visiting a mental health professional for professional assistance.[Read More] Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions
Understanding OCD: Are Your Intrusive Thoughts a Sign?
Is it obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that I have intrusive thoughts about attacking others or having discriminatory thoughts towards vulnerable individuals. Whenever these thoughts arise, I find myself constantly apologizing and fe...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to obsessive thinking, but whether it is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) requires further evaluation. I recommend that you seek professional assistance from a mental health specialist. Wishing you peace and good...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Are Your Intrusive Thoughts a Sign?
Managing Sexual Desire Issues with Psychiatric Medications
Regarding libido and medication? Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and latent schizophrenia. Recently, due to issues with low libido/sexual impulses, my physician advised me to taper off the medication. I am currently taking 150 mg of Sertral...
Dr. Wu Kunhong Reply:
There are many factors that can affect sexual desire and sexual function. It is recommended that you consult with a specialist in psychiatry or urology. Please trust a qualified medical professional to evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate assessment and treatment...[Read More] Managing Sexual Desire Issues with Psychiatric Medications
Managing Anxiety and Medication Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Drug withdrawal Hello Doctor: I have been taking "Duloxetine 30 mg" for about 4 to 5 months due to long-term anxiety issues. This may stem from the six months I spent caring for my father, who had cancer, until his passing about six or seven years ago. I am unsure why I...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. Should I continue taking the medication or reduce the dosage after some time? A: Given your current level of anxiety, it's best not to stop the medication for now. 2. If I want to reduce the dosage, how should I do it? One pill every two days, one every three days, or c...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Medication Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Understanding and Supporting a Family Member with Mental Health Issues
My brother's condition? Thank you for taking the time, Doctor. Today, I would like to discuss my brother's condition. I have observed that his mental state has been deteriorating for some time. He has become increasingly irritable; for example, when my mother mentioned ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Netizens should identify the reasons for irritability (such as anxiety, depression, etc.) and address them. If improvement is not achieved, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Understanding and Supporting a Family Member with Mental Health Issues
Should You Take More Medication After Waking Up from Sedation?
Medication issue - The patient woke up three hours after taking the sedative? Do I need to take medication after waking up?
Dr. Yan Congyou Reply:
If treatment with a single-line sedative for sleep issues is still ineffective, it is likely that there are other underlying problems. Sleep issues may be just the tip of the iceberg among various concerns, and a comprehensive evaluation at a hospital is necessary.[Read More] Should You Take More Medication After Waking Up from Sedation?
Medications and Sexual Desire: Understanding the Impact on Mental Health
Medications and Libido Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and latent schizophrenia. Recently, due to decreased libido/sexual impulses, I have been permitted by my physician to reduce my medication. I am currently taking 10 mg of Sertraline (Zo...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: Both Dexedrine and Strattera can have side effects that affect sexual function and libido. However, these effects can vary from person to person due to individual factors. It is advisable to consider your personal medical condition and discuss with your treating physician ...[Read More] Medications and Sexual Desire: Understanding the Impact on Mental Health
Understanding OCD and Toilet Anxiety: Overcoming Fear of Germs
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a focus on cleanliness / Toilet Phobia (Paruresis) Recently, I have started to develop a fear of bacteria and viruses. I believe that when I use the toilet, my buttocks and thighs come into contact with the toilet seat, making them dirty. ...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Hello: In daily life, we inevitably come into contact with bacteria and other microorganisms, and generally, a healthy adult's immune system is sufficient to resist them. However, if concerns about contracting dirty germs are affecting your daily routine or causing you ongoi...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Toilet Anxiety: Overcoming Fear of Germs
Can Panic Disorder Be Managed Without Medication?
Can panic disorder be managed without medication? Hello, doctor. I have been dealing with panic disorder for over a decade. I previously consulted a psychiatrist once but have never taken medication because I feel panic about taking drugs. I believe my condition does not currentl...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Since you feel that your current condition is not affecting your daily life and mood without medication, you can temporarily refrain from taking medication. If you can make adjustments, not taking medication should not lead to a worsening of your condition. Additionally, y...[Read More] Can Panic Disorder Be Managed Without Medication?
Understanding Anxiety: When Treatment Feels Ineffective and Life Becomes Overwhelming
Anxiety disorders can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, and treatment may often feel ineffective? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I am a university student, and during high school, I put a lot of pressure on myself regarding my st...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
A netizen would like to ask the doctor if it is normal to still feel no relief from symptoms after taking medication for over a month. A: The medication may need to be adjusted. Is this issue simply anxiety disorder? Besides medication, what other methods can help resolve this? A...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: When Treatment Feels Ineffective and Life Becomes Overwhelming
Managing Withdrawal from Clonazepam and Eszopiclone: A Guide for Shift Workers
Withdrawal from Clonazepam 1 mg and Escitalopram 0.25 mg? I work alternating day and night shifts. After receiving the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in February 2022, I experienced insomnia symptoms. I was prescribed Eszopiclone 5 mg and Lorazepam 1 mg to take before bed a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
How long should one wait to discontinue Keppra? A: There is no specific duration, but maintaining good sleep hygiene (such as engaging in moderate exercise and avoiding the bed before sleep) can allow for a gradual reduction or discontinuation of the medication. Will withdrawal s...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal from Clonazepam and Eszopiclone: A Guide for Shift Workers