Understanding Medication Challenges in Treating Insomnia and Depression
Medication issues I have been suffering from long-term insomnia and have been taking medications: Mirtazapine, Midazolam, and Clonazepam, but my sleep remains very light and I wake up easily. I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. 1. My primary physician prescribed an ...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry and for your message. 1. It is quite common in clinical practice for individuals with depression and insomnia to be prescribed SSRIs, as insomnia is a symptom of depression itself. As the depression improves, sleep quality often improv...[Read More] Understanding Medication Challenges in Treating Insomnia and Depression
Managing Persistent Depression: Medication Dosage and Concerns
Psychiatric medications Hello Doctor: I am a patient with persistent depressive disorder. Currently, I am taking Purtraline 75 mg per day and Easyfor 150 mg per day. The latter medication was added after my diagnosis of "other depressive episodes" in the fall, but I hav...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Some individuals may have their medication dosage adjusted due to improvements in their condition, taking into account the past severity and the patient's tolerance. It is advisable to discuss this with your physician. Dr. Wu En-liang.[Read More] Managing Persistent Depression: Medication Dosage and Concerns
Is My Sister's Medication Use a Serious Concern?
Is my sister's condition serious? My sister is a nursing student, and I previously discovered that she has been taking medication. When I asked her what was wrong, she didn't say anything. I secretly saw the medication bag, which contained three types of drugs: Fludiaze...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: This medication is not considered heavy, but it cannot be used to infer the current condition. It is recommended to discuss this with her doctor. Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] Is My Sister's Medication Use a Serious Concern?
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:
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:
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
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:
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 Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management Tips
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) I would like to ask the doctor how long it typically takes to stop medication for generalized anxiety disorder. I also don't understand why anxiety medications are similar to those used for depression, as they seem to have the same therapeu...
Dr. Tian Xinqiao Reply:
Hello, dear user: Thank you for your message. There are many medication options for anxiety disorders, with the most common being benzodiazepines, which have anxiolytic effects and, as the name suggests, help induce relaxation. Additionally, anxiety disorder patients often experi...[Read More] Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management Tips
Understanding Long-Term Loss of Appetite: A Psychiatric Perspective
Long-term loss of appetite and inability to eat? Hello, doctor. My symptoms include a long-term lack of appetite, no feeling of hunger, and no desire to eat. Sometimes, while eating, I experience cold sweats, palpitations, and a sensation of darkness in front of my eyes, along wi...
Dr. Wang Yazhen Reply:
Hello Kakaf: The medications prescribed by the physician have effects on improving low mood, appetite, and sleep. Regarding your symptoms, although you have explained them as thoroughly as possible, the physician cannot conduct an online consultation and needs to clarify and unde...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Loss of Appetite: A Psychiatric Perspective
Managing Withdrawal: Safely Stopping Medication for Panic Disorder
Drug withdrawal I have panic disorder and have been taking Seroquel for 16 years. I currently want to stop taking it, but I feel dizzy and unable to work if I miss a day. Recently, I have been experiencing neck pain and consulted a neurologist who mentioned the issue of discontin...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lai: I would like to know the reason why you want to discontinue Suyue. Is it because your panic disorder symptoms have improved significantly? Or are you concerned about the side effects of the medication? If you wish to stop the medication due to improvement in your c...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal: Safely Stopping Medication for Panic Disorder
Signs Your Brother May Be Experiencing Paranoia: A Guide for Concerned Family
I believe my brother is experiencing persecutory delusions, relational delusions, and grandiose delusions? My brother is 24 years old, and during our recent long conversation, I felt that his thoughts were quite strange; he seems paranoid and overly sensitive. Situation 1: He bel...
Dr. Liu Shikai Reply:
Hello, Based on your letter, it appears that your brother is experiencing delusional thinking, illogical reasoning, and firm beliefs in these thoughts. Clinically, it is essential to consider the presence of delusional symptoms and to confirm whether there are other related sym...[Read More] Signs Your Brother May Be Experiencing Paranoia: A Guide for Concerned Family
Memory Issues and Sleep Medications: Understanding the Impact
Experiencing mental fog in the morning after taking sleeping pills? Hello doctor, I am currently taking sleeping pills and have gradually noticed a decline in my memory and learning ability. Could the sleeping pills be causing this? I have been taking them for quite a long time a...
Dr. Cai Yunlin Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, sleeping pills should be safe when taken at the recommended dosage, but they should be used in conjunction with sleep hygiene and exercise. Additionally, it is important to rule out issues such as depression and anxiety that may be affecting sleep. Rega...[Read More] Memory Issues and Sleep Medications: Understanding the Impact
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: A High School Student's Struggle
Social Anxiety Disorder Hello, doctor. I am currently a high school sophomore. Since I was young, I have been more introverted. Whenever relatives or my parents' friends come over, I tend to hide. I avoid answering phone calls from unknown numbers because I am quite afraid o...
Dr. Liu Shikai Reply:
Dear Student Yeh, Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed necessary to consider the possibility of social anxiety disorder. Currently, the available treatment options include medication or psychotherapy. Due to the legal regulations in Taiwan, minors require consent or...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: A High School Student's Struggle
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Discontinuing Antipsychotic Medications
Withdrawal reactions from antipsychotic medications? Hello doctor! I previously took "Rivotril" (Clonazepam) two tablets daily for nine months, and then I stopped taking it on my own. It has been a year and a half since then, but I still experience withdrawal symptoms a...
Dr. Liu Shikai Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: Long-term and excessive use of anxiolytics and sleep medications does carry a risk of withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation; however, these symptoms typically resolve within a few days to weeks. Based on what you mentioned in your letter, having been off the med...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Discontinuing Antipsychotic Medications
Managing Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide for Patients
Drug side effects Hello, doctor. My mother, who is 63 years old, has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. The doctor prescribed her Sertraline 25 mg, Lorazepam 1 mg, and 3 cc of Clonazepam solution to be ta...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello, the medications you mentioned generally have low side effects and dosages, but among them, Sertraline has a more significant impact. I suggest that you first discontinue Sertraline and continue with the other medications to see if there is any improvement. If there is stil...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide for Patients
Managing Emotional Instability: Strategies Beyond Medication
Emotional instability I have always been a pessimistic person, lacking a sense of security and presence. After starting a relationship, I have become more inclined to think positively. However, during the week before my menstrual period, my emotions plummet to rock bottom. If any...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Gigi, Thank you for your question. You mentioned that feelings of insecurity and pessimism often affect your mood, which can also fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, a condition medically referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A person's mood can indeed be influ...[Read More] Managing Emotional Instability: Strategies Beyond Medication
Managing Medication for Depression: Concerns and Guidance
Medication issues Hello Dr. Kong, I have been taking psychiatric medication for many years, but recently I have been experiencing insomnia and low mood, with occasional thoughts of self-harm. Currently, I have a regular follow-up appointment and am taking the following medicati...
Dr. Kong Fanjin Reply:
Although polypharmacy should be avoided whenever possible, it still frequently occurs in clinical practice. In your case, the combination of two antidepressants and two sedatives is considered appropriate. The dosages do not need to be perfectly equal; slight variations are accep...[Read More] Managing Medication for Depression: Concerns and Guidance
Understanding the Safety of Serotonin Medications: Risks and Concerns
Medication inquiries? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the safety of "serotonin" medications and whether they could potentially cause death. I previously tried taking one dose of Prozac and a sedative before bed, and I felt fine the next day with no discomfort. ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Mouse, thank you for your question. I'm not sure what the reason is for starting the prescription of Prozac. It is generally prescribed for anxiety, depression, or concurrent conditions, and both anxiety and depression have a high correlation with panic disorder. While ...[Read More] Understanding the Safety of Serotonin Medications: Risks and Concerns
Struggling with Thought and Expression: Seeking Help for Mental Clarity
The loss of cognitive and analytical abilities has severely hindered my ability to express myself verbally? Hello, Doctor. I have always struggled with my thinking and expression abilities. I am seeking your help primarily to address my issues with thinking, expressing myself, an...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Liangliang: Thank you for your question and detailed description. It sounds like your main issues are difficulties with thinking, expressing yourself, and interacting with others. There are certain psychiatric conditions that could lead to these outcomes, so I recommend disc...[Read More] Struggling with Thought and Expression: Seeking Help for Mental Clarity
Managing Postpartum Anxiety: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Health Fears
Obsessive worry Hello Doctor, my wife has been experiencing symptoms of health anxiety since giving birth. We consulted a doctor who mentioned that she has some obsessive thoughts, but we have the option to try self-adjustment or take medication (the symptoms are not severe, and ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ming: If you experience psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy or while preparing for pregnancy, you can discuss this with your physician during your appointment. Some medications are still safe to use and can effectively alleviate psychiatric symptoms. If non-pharmaco...[Read More] Managing Postpartum Anxiety: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Health Fears
Feeling Hopeless: Coping with Mental Health Challenges and Medication
Feeling hopeless? The source of stress has been unresolvable, and I've been relying on psychiatric and psychological medications to cope. How much longer can I endure this...?
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Chamg, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are currently facing some significant challenges that have led to limited relief despite medication. Since I am not fully aware of your specific situation, it may be helpful to clarify a few things, such as the type of m...[Read More] Feeling Hopeless: Coping with Mental Health Challenges and Medication