Managing Anxiety-Induced Insomnia: Medication Consultation and Alternatives
Sleep issues and medication consultation? Hello Doctor, due to anxiety and insomnia, I experienced weight loss in December. After seeing a doctor, I was prescribed Alprazolam 0.5mg (to be taken once at bedtime), and I have been taking it for over a month and a half now. My weight...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Alprazolam and SSRIs are different classes of medications. SSRIs are theoretically less addictive, but it is uncertain whether they can help with your sleep. Alprazolam, like other sedative-hypnotics, has the potential for addiction. It is not possible to immediately deter...[Read More] Managing Anxiety-Induced Insomnia: Medication Consultation and Alternatives
Does ADHD Medication Enhance Brain Development? Understanding BDNF Effects
Is there a concern that ADHD stimulant medications may affect brain development? Hello, doctor! I previously read an article stating that taking Seroquel increases the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the brain, stimulating neurotransmission and the growt...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, netizen: I reviewed the link you provided. This article is written by a senior psychiatrist, and the information it contains is accurate. Many parents and patients are concerned about the potential side effects of medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity D...[Read More] Does ADHD Medication Enhance Brain Development? Understanding BDNF Effects
Can I Get My Psychiatric Medication from a Nearby Hospital?
Follow-up visit and medication issue? Hello Dr. Wu, I originally planned to visit your clinic to pick up my medication in early February, but due to the COVID-19 situation in Taoyuan, I would like to avoid going there. May I ask if I can pick up the same medication at a nearby ho...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: You can certainly obtain the same medication at a nearby hospital or clinic. You should briefly explain the reason for your visit to the Taoyuan Medical Center, and the physician will also check the health insurance cloud system. Taoyuan Medical Center has o...[Read More] Can I Get My Psychiatric Medication from a Nearby Hospital?
Managing Bipolar Disorder: Medication Concerns and Caregiver Guidance
Bipolar Disorder / Medication Consultation Hello Doctor: My mother, who is 52 years old, has a history of latent bipolar disorder, which has been triggered by her work situation. The hospital prescribed her Rivotril (Clonazepam) 2mg, but she mentioned that the effects are too str...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, The primary medications for treating bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Rivotril, which is a sedative, is considered an adjunctive medication and is typically prescribed during acute episodes. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage can be reduce...[Read More] Managing Bipolar Disorder: Medication Concerns and Caregiver Guidance
Struggling with Social Interaction: Understanding Anxiety and Dependence
Struggling to adapt to social interactions? I am very dependent on my parents. I have attended classes to learn workplace skills, but I always end up leaving early during the final sessions. I feel uncomfortable interacting with others and often fear when people talk to me. Somet...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Your situation indeed resembles social anxiety disorder; however, a definitive diagnosis must be made by a physician after a consultation with you. If it is social anxiety disorder, both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy can be effective, and studies have shown that comb...[Read More] Struggling with Social Interaction: Understanding Anxiety and Dependence
Am I Gay? Understanding Sexual Attraction and Identity at 21
Is my behavior homosexual? I am 21 years old and have been questioning my sexual orientation for some time. I find myself attracted to the bodies of men, specifically those who are muscular and fit. Sometimes looking at them makes me aroused, but other times it doesn’t. Occasiona...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Issues related to gender identity are quite complex and require professional assessment and diagnosis. The information provided in your message is insufficient for confirmation. I recommend that you take the time to visit a mental health clinic for evaluation and consultat...[Read More] Am I Gay? Understanding Sexual Attraction and Identity at 21
Feeling Dirty: Understanding OCD and Anxiety in Mental Health
Feeling very dirty? Dr. Lin: Thank you for your patient response to my questions; I really appreciate it. Additionally, I would like to ask if feeling excessively dirty all the time indicates a mental health issue. Is this meaningless cleaning a sign of obsessive-compulsive disor...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, little fish: If you find yourself washing for an extended period of time despite knowing it’s unnecessary, and you experience a reduction in anxiety afterward, it is very likely that you may be dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, a definitive diagnos...[Read More] Feeling Dirty: Understanding OCD and Anxiety in Mental Health
Managing Ventricular Premature Contractions: Medication Consultation Insights
Ventricular premature contractions, medication consultation? Hello, Doctor. I am experiencing ventricular contractions caused by autonomic nervous system dysregulation. I am currently taking 20 mg of Prozac (fluoxetine) twice a day and half a 5 mg tablet of Nortriptyline. Is this...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, user: The autonomic nervous system dysfunction has led to ventricular premature contractions (VPC). You are using Prozac (fluoxetine) and Nortriptyline, and it seems you have already undergone evaluations related to your heart and received psychiatric treatment. Regardin...[Read More] Managing Ventricular Premature Contractions: Medication Consultation Insights
Dealing with Reluctant Family Members Seeking Medical Help
Family members are unwilling to seek medical care? My mother has been experiencing throat issues for the past three months. She clears her throat approximately every minute, sometimes coughs, and even wakes up coughing during the night. However, she is quite averse to seeing a do...
Dr. Xiao Minghong Reply:
Hello Sir: In our country, we place great importance on patient rights and emphasize patient autonomy. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is not possible to force a patient to seek medical care. It is best to encourage the individual to willingly seek treatment. However, s...[Read More] Dealing with Reluctant Family Members Seeking Medical Help
Understanding Nightmares: Anxiety, Performance Fear, and Treatment Options
Frequent nightmares? Hello, doctor. Due to my field of study, I often have to perform in front of others. In the past, I felt slightly anxious about public speaking, but recently, for some reason, my fear has intensified. It's no longer limited to just the fear of speaking; ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Jasmine: Thank you for your hard work! Regarding your recent frequent nightmares, if you visit a psychiatrist, the doctor will likely want to understand when this situation began and what changes occurred in your life prior to these experiences. For example, they may inquir...[Read More] Understanding Nightmares: Anxiety, Performance Fear, and Treatment Options
Understanding Bupropion for Smoking Cessation in Depression Patients
Using Bupropion for Smoking Cessation I would like to consult a physician. I have been suffering from depression for many years and have also been a long-term smoker. The medication prescribed by my doctor includes Bupropion, which I found out can also be used for smoking cessati...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to smoking. In fact, the process of quitting smoking can exacerbate various complex psychological and emotional responses, such as anxiety, depression, panic, denial, anger, and...[Read More] Understanding Bupropion for Smoking Cessation in Depression Patients
Seeking Help for a Loved One: Resources for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
Self-harm and suicide? My girlfriend ran out after an argument and expressed suicidal thoughts. She was taken to Tucheng Hospital by the police. After I was contacted, I rushed there to bring her back. However, within three days, we had another argument, and she ran out again. No...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang: Thank you for your hard work! If your girlfriend shows any suicidal behavior, you can call the police to take her to the hospital. Request a psychiatric consultation in the emergency room to talk with her and understand her situation. Generally, individuals who e...[Read More] Seeking Help for a Loved One: Resources for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Seeking Help
Excessive anxiety Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. In August 2020, I sought medical attention due to breast discharge, and since then, I have been worried about whether I have breast cancer or other types of cancer. The blood test results indicated elevated prolactin levels, but ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your situation is similar to the subject of your question: excessive anxiety that has affected your daily life. Picking at your toes may also be related to a similar condition. There are effective treatment options available for anxiety symptoms today. I recommend that you...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Seeking Help
Understanding Bipolar Disorder Medications and Family Support Strategies
Bipolar disorder medication issues and consultation information? Hello, doctor. Thank you very much for your patient reading and professional response. My family member has bipolar disorder and has been visiting a clinic for about one to two years. However, a little over a month ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello! At first glance, the symptoms of your family member do resemble those of mania or hypomania, and indeed, there are no mood stabilizers specifically for the treatment of mania included in the medication regimen. Regarding counseling, our institution does provide services on...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder Medications and Family Support Strategies
Understanding VPC and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, ventricular premature contractions (VPC)? Hello, Dr. Wu. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask if you have heard of VPC (ventricular premature contractions)? I experience a sensation of missed heartbeats, and my echocardiogram an...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello: If VPC is ruled out as a result of internal medicine issues, it is indeed possible that it may arise under conditions of significant psychological stress, such as panic disorder. It is advisable to seek consultation with a psychiatrist and consider undergoing psychotherapy...[Read More] Understanding VPC and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Self-Harm: Headaches and Mental Health Consultation
Consultation for headaches and other symptoms resulting from long-term self-harm? When I encounter unpleasant situations, I tend to strike a specific area of my head forcefully with my finger joints, which occasionally causes pain in that area. This symptom has persisted since hi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The symptoms described in the text may be a way of expressing emotions, but this is not a healthy pattern and may even involve self-harming behaviors. It is recommended that you search for information on emotional intelligence (EQ) management or stress coping strategies. Y...[Read More] Understanding Self-Harm: Headaches and Mental Health Consultation
Understanding Stress: A Young Adult's Mental Health Journey
Too much stress...? Hello, doctor. I am a vocational student about to take the standardized test. Recently, I went to see a physician due to severe rectal bleeding and hair loss. I was initially worried it might be cancer, but once I entered the consultation room, the doctor said...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The symptoms described in the text are likely adverse reactions to stress. Throughout life, it is inevitable to encounter stress. However, we hope it does not lead to physical or mental distress. I suggest you search for information on stress management. You can learn some...[Read More] Understanding Stress: A Young Adult's Mental Health Journey
Managing Excessive Sleep Due to Mirtazapine: A Patient's Dilemma
Mirtazapine causing excessive sleep duration issues? Hello Doctor, this is Lin, a student who wrote to you recently. Fortunately, the issue regarding my ADHD medication has been resolved (the doctor is willing to prescribe Strattera for me to try). However, as I continue to take ...
Dr. Wang Yazhen Reply:
Hello, Lin: I see that you are very meticulous in addressing medication consultation opinions, which shows you are a diligent researcher. Mirtazapine generally allows the body to adapt to its effects and maintain stable results after administration. It is less common, as you ment...[Read More] Managing Excessive Sleep Due to Mirtazapine: A Patient's Dilemma
Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
I don't know if I'm just complaining without any real illness? Hello, doctor. Since middle school, I have felt that my study efficiency is very poor; it takes me a long time to read an article. However, due to my competitive nature, I am willing to spend a lot of time i...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear lulala, it sounds like your emotional state has a significant impact on you, and I hope you don't feel like you're just complaining without reason. Generally speaking, foundational medications like bupropion can help improve mood fluctuations, so I recommend discus...[Read More] Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor: My symptoms started at the end of February this year. I have a constant urge to take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling deeply; if I don't do this, I feel a tightness in my chest. At that time, my heart rate was very fast (140 bpm during the...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Jason, based on your description, it seems to align with the symptoms of psychosomatic disorder. Most people who become overly focused on their breathing tend to experience an increase in their breathing rate, which can lead to discomfort. This excessive focus often stems fr...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist