Choosing Anxiety Medications for Patients with Liver Issues
Medication Consultation Hello, doctor: I have liver issues, but I need to take anti-anxiety medication. I've heard that taking too much can be harmful to the liver. What kind of medication should I choose? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question! Generally speaking, psychiatric medications do not place a significant burden on the liver, and they can be safely taken at the recommended dosages by a physician. Among these, Ativan is considered to have a relatively low burden on the liver. ...[Read More] Choosing Anxiety Medications for Patients with Liver Issues
Understanding Panic Disorder Medications: Risks and Recommendations
Inquiry about panic medications? Hello, doctor. I have panic disorder, and yesterday I visited a psychiatrist who prescribed me clonazepam (1/4 tablet in the morning and 1/4 tablet at night), perphenazine (1 tablet at night), and zapine (1 tablet at night). I would like to know i...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Liu, I apologize for the late reply. Regarding the medication clonopam, it is a sedative and short-term use should not be a concern. Zapline is an antidepressant and is not likely to cause addiction issues. Additionally, taking just one dose and then stopping the medica...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder Medications: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms and What to Do
Suddenly feeling like you're about to die in the middle of sleep? Hello, doctor. I have a few conditions I would like to ask about: sometimes when I come home from class and take a nap, I suddenly feel like I can't breathe, my heart seems to stop beating, and my limbs f...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Roger, thank you for your question. I apologize for the late response. Based on your description, it seems like you may be experiencing symptoms similar to a panic attack; however, typical panic attacks usually occur while a person is awake. If you are experiencing these sym...[Read More] Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms and What to Do
Struggling with Adult Film Addiction: Seeking Help for Impulse Control
Frequent viewing of adult films? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: I apologize for the late reply. It sounds like you are quite troubled by this matter, but generally speaking, having a sex drive is completely normal. Seeking healthy outlets for it should not be a source of shame or concern. As for seeking the services of sex workers, due...[Read More] Struggling with Adult Film Addiction: Seeking Help for Impulse Control
Struggling to Sleep After Starting Fluoxetine: What to Do?
Recently, it has become more difficult to fall asleep after taking medication? I have been feeling very anxious lately, and my doctor prescribed me fluoxetine. However, I have been having trouble sleeping at night and also experiencing chest tightness. Could the medication be mak...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
DEAR QQ, thank you for your question! It sounds like your main symptoms recently have been anxiety and insomnia. The doctor has prescribed medication to adjust serotonin levels, which is commonly used for patients with anxiety or depression. It is recommended that you continue ta...[Read More] Struggling to Sleep After Starting Fluoxetine: What to Do?
Supporting Your Partner's Emotions During Family Conflicts
Regarding partner emotions and psychological counseling? Hello, the situation with your partner and her family sounds quite challenging. It's understandable that you're feeling affected by her distress, especially if you're concerned about giving advice that might ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Chen-Hao. The issue you mentioned occurs in many families, stemming from differing values and the desire for the other person to change. Regarding you and your partner, I suggest that you listen more to her thoughts and express the feelings you perceive from her expression...[Read More] Supporting Your Partner's Emotions During Family Conflicts
Coping with Schizophrenia: Tips for Managing Social Anxiety and Depression
Disease Consultation I have been feeling troubled lately about having schizophrenia and how to face crowds. I am still afraid of others knowing about my condition and I am also very concerned about depression. As a result, I don't talk much with people because I fear they wi...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question. Schizophrenia is generally considered a chronic condition, and it is recommended to maintain stable medication. With proper treatment, there is a high chance of living a normal life and working. I can tell that you are concerned about others kn...[Read More] Coping with Schizophrenia: Tips for Managing Social Anxiety and Depression
Understanding Quetiapine: Uses, Effects on Neurotransmitters, and Interactions
The efficacy of Silagran? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if Quetiapine not only reduces dopamine levels but also decreases serotonin concentrations. Besides being used for treating psychiatric disorders, can it also be used for severe depression? Would there be any interactio...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question and I apologize for the late response! The medication Sertraline generally increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and is commonly used at lower doses for the treatment of depression. It may sometimes be used in conjunctio...[Read More] Understanding Quetiapine: Uses, Effects on Neurotransmitters, and Interactions
Understanding Ocular Dystonia: Causes, Effects, and Coping Strategies
Eye retraction? What are the usual causes of this phenomenon? I understand it is a side effect of medication, but can emotional anxiety also contribute to it? What should I do about it? How can I manage work? Currently, I can only assist at home. Although the doctor says I am fun...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear, I apologize for the delayed response. The phenomenon of eye protrusion may occur in rare cases due to medication. It would be advisable to discuss with your physician which of your current medications might be related to this issue. Additionally, you can talk to your primar...[Read More] Understanding Ocular Dystonia: Causes, Effects, and Coping Strategies
Understanding Schizophrenia Medications: Managing Abilify and Its Side Effects
Schizophrenia Medication Consultation I have been taking Abilify since middle school. At that time, peer verbal and physical bullying led to insomnia, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Initially, I was prescribed 15 mg, taking half a tablet of 7.5 mg, and later it was in...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
DEAR Yuki, thank you for your questions. Here are the responses to your inquiries: 1) Will schizophrenia ever get better on its own, allowing one to stop taking medication? Generally speaking, schizophrenia is a chronic illness, and the vast majority of patients need to maintain...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia Medications: Managing Abilify and Its Side Effects
Managing Side Effects of Aripiprazole in Depression Treatment
Medication Issues Hello doctor, my girlfriend has depression and has recently been seeing a doctor. However, after taking half a tablet of Aripiprazole (the blue one), she has been feeling very uncomfortable, experiencing dizziness, nausea, overall discomfort, chest tightness, an...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Kinnyno, hello! Thank you for your question! There are actually many types of antidepressants. If your girlfriend is having difficulty adjusting to the medication, it is advisable to discuss with her physician about switching to another antidepressant to improve her symptoms...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Aripiprazole in Depression Treatment
Struggling with Sleep: When to Seek Help for Insomnia
Sleep issues I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Normally, I stay up until 1 or 2 AM (sometimes even 3 AM), but I've never had any issues until last week. Now, even though I'm really tired, I still can't fall asleep. I tried clearing my mind, but one day...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Eva, thank you for your question. It sounds like, in addition to insomnia, there are other distressing issues that have been affecting you, leading to tears. Therefore, sleep disturbances may just be a manifestation of these concerns, with the root cause stemming from your w...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: When to Seek Help for Insomnia
Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Fear of bacteria and diseases leads to the belief that touching something contaminated will result in illness, prompting excessive handwashing until a sense of relief is achieved. When experiencing physical symptoms, there is a tendency to worr...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Cherry, it sounds like you are experiencing symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, and from your description, it is clear that it significantly impacts your life. I recommend that you visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic for further evaluation and to begin appro...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
Overcoming Self-Esteem Issues After an Injury: A Mental Health Perspective
Feelings of inferiority after an accidental injury? Hello Doctor: Seven years ago, I accidentally dislocated my humerus while throwing a softball. The doctor mentioned that improper force application and fatigue caused my muscle strength to exceed that of the bone, resulting in a...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Liang: Thank you for your question. It sounds like your injuries and scars have significantly affected your mood, and your description also reveals feelings of regret, which can be difficult to confront and have impacted your daily life and sleep. Regarding the medicati...[Read More] Overcoming Self-Esteem Issues After an Injury: A Mental Health Perspective
Understanding Sleep Issues: Is It Insomnia or Just Poor Sleep Quality?
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I would like to briefly describe my situation. In the past, I used to stay up late until around 1 or 2 AM, then wake up at 6 or 7 AM to take care of some things before going back to sleep until 8 or 9 AM. No matter how I slept, I would have vivid dream...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear aquoioa, thank you for your question. In principle, subjective feelings of poor sleep and daytime fatigue are considered a form of insomnia. From what you mentioned, it seems that your irregular sleep schedule is the main issue. Adjusting your bedtime to 11 PM is a good stra...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Is It Insomnia or Just Poor Sleep Quality?
Understanding Overcontrolling Parenting and Its Impact on Mental Health
Parents have a tendency to be overly controlling of their children? Hello doctor, I would like to ask who is the issue stemming from in this situation? My friend's mother wants to take him to see a psychiatrist because he has been using his phone at home, but this is not the...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Jessica, thank you for your question. It sounds like your friend and her mother often have conflicts due to mobile phone usage, and there are even suggestions for your friend to see a psychiatrist. However, due to limited information, it is difficult to understand the reaso...[Read More] Understanding Overcontrolling Parenting and Its Impact on Mental Health
Breaking Free: Coping with Family Trauma and Mental Health Concerns
Repetitive thoughts that are hard to let go of? Due to my relationship with my family of origin and the emotional wounds I've suffered, I chose to leave home and live elsewhere, and it's been almost a year now. However, during this time, I often find myself reflecting o...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear An, Thank you for your question. I understand that living at home has been a source of significant stress for you, and I empathize with your situation. However, it seems you still have deep feelings for your family, which is quite natural. Family has a profound impact on a...[Read More] Breaking Free: Coping with Family Trauma and Mental Health Concerns
Is Waking Up at Night a Sign of Panic Disorder?
Waking up in the middle of the night can be a symptom of a panic attack? I am currently 23 years old, and I have had a profound fear of death since childhood, a deep-seated anxiety and dread. My condition has fluctuated over time; however, recently, I have been waking up suddenly...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are experiencing concerns and fears about death, as well as sudden panic, which are somewhat similar to symptoms of panic disorder. This falls under the category of anxiety disorders. Generally, the treatment for anxi...[Read More] Is Waking Up at Night a Sign of Panic Disorder?
Improving Communication Skills: Overcoming Social Anxiety in Adulthood
Speech ability I have rarely spoken since middle school, and now that I am middle-aged, I still struggle with social interactions and conversation. I seldom engage in long discussions with others, and sometimes, after prolonged conversations, I become excited and start pacing aro...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are eager to interact with others and build interpersonal relationships, but you also fear that you may not perform well in those interactions. Many hospitals have mental health departments that offer psychological counseling...[Read More] Improving Communication Skills: Overcoming Social Anxiety in Adulthood
Navigating Independence: Overcoming Dependency on Parents in Adulthood
Dependent on parents? I have been working for over ten years, mostly alongside my parents. Besides them, I have no one else to work or talk with. Now that my parents are getting older and I tend to be quite reclusive, I am also approaching middle age, which means I will need to m...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Mr. A, thank you for your question. Your difficulties may stem from challenges in establishing interpersonal relationships with strangers. I recommend that you visit a mental health clinic to consult with a physician for evaluation and appropriate counseling to achieve impro...[Read More] Navigating Independence: Overcoming Dependency on Parents in Adulthood