Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: Causes and Management
Waking up suddenly from sleep with palpitations? Three years ago, I frequently experienced palpitations, chest tightness, and a feeling of heat. I would wake up suddenly from sleep, feeling hot, sweating, and with a rapid heartbeat. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and echoc...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. If thyroid issues are well-controlled but you still experience palpitations, you can inform your doctor during your follow-up visit for evaluation. You may also want to ask if there is a need for a consultation with a psychiatrist (for panic disorder or autonomic nervous s...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: Causes and Management
Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Tips for Social Situations
What should I do if I easily feel anxious or tense? Hello, doctor. I have a problem with easily feeling tense, which often leads to panic, palpitations, and chest tightness. Because of this, I rarely go out with others. Recently, a friend invited me to go shopping at a department...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Jennifer: It seems that your anxiety can reach a level similar to panic. During such times, it is advisable to slow down your breathing (the slower, the better) and try to use diaphragmatic breathing as much as possible. Once your breathing slows down, the physical discomfo...[Read More] Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Tips for Social Situations
Managing Panic Attacks During Blood Pressure Checks: Tips for Patients
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello Doctor: I am a patient with anxiety and panic disorder. Whenever I go to the hospital to have my blood pressure measured, I experience a panic attack because I worry that my blood pressure will spike. The more I worry, the more panicked I become, and ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
If you are experiencing panic attacks when measuring your blood pressure, it's best to avoid doing so for now. However, it is clear that your panic disorder has not been fully addressed. I recommend that you continue to collaborate closely with your psychiatrist and adhere t...[Read More] Managing Panic Attacks During Blood Pressure Checks: Tips for Patients
Do Antidepressants Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? Understanding the Connection
Do antidepressants affect the menstrual cycle? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing anxiety and irritability for the past one to two years, along with intrusive thoughts (I tend to be particularly sensitive and anxious when I hear ominous statements). After the 403 earthquake, ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Medications and emotions can affect the menstrual cycle. You may not need to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for an examination at this time. Please discuss your situation, including the use of Xinna tablets, with your psychiatrist during your next appointme...[Read More] Do Antidepressants Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? Understanding the Connection
Managing Panic Anxiety: Can You Safely Combine Medications?
Panic Anxiety Disorder I have been prescribed Xanax and Sertraline by my doctor for anxiety and panic disorder, to be taken as needed. I would like to know if I can continue taking Escitalopram, which I have taken before, and how long I should wait after taking Xanax before I can...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ann: Ease Comfort is a long-acting sedative that can be taken in combination with Xanax and Lexapro. However, these medications are intended for emergency use and cannot prevent the occurrence of anxiety and panic. It is recommended that if you frequently experience anxiety...[Read More] Managing Panic Anxiety: Can You Safely Combine Medications?
Understanding Panic Disorder Treatment: Side Effects and Medication Efficacy
Panic disorder treatment issues? Hello, doctor. I have experienced a relapse of panic disorder for the third time recently. I am currently in the fourth week of treatment with Tianeptine Sodium (Taiwanese brand name: 替你憂-S). At the beginning, taking half a tablet caused side effe...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Emily: After taking your medication this time, you are still experiencing occasional panic attacks, which could be due to two possible reasons. First, your panic disorder may have worsened, making the current dosage of your medication insufficient for complete control. Seco...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder Treatment: Side Effects and Medication Efficacy
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation and Panic Disorder
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction Hello, doctor. Due to long-term night shifts, I have experienced multiple episodes in the past two months where I suddenly feel palpitations and my heart is pounding strongly, accompanied by a noticeable heartbeat sound. My blood pressure has ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ah-Hua: I apologize for the delayed response as I did not receive a notification for your question. If your blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking antihypertensive medication, you may need to discuss with a cardiologist whether a medication adjustment is necessa...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation and Panic Disorder
How to Interact Effectively with Individuals Facing Social Anxiety and Panic Disorders
How to properly interact with individuals who have social anxiety and panic disorder? Dear Dr. Chang, I have a younger relative staying at my home for an extended period. He is currently a PGY2 resident and is working alongside you. However, there are some issues concerning him,...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to issues related to interpersonal sensitivity and interaction. These concerns involve specialized treatment modalities, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. I strongly encourage you to se...[Read More] How to Interact Effectively with Individuals Facing Social Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Medication Consultation for Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Safety and Usage
Medication Consultation I have been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder. Recently, I started taking medications prescribed by my doctor before bedtime: Flupentixol 0.5 mg and Melitracen 10 mg, along with half a tablet of Paroxeti...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Are these two medications (Paracetamol) safe to use together? Unless there are pre-existing stomach issues, there is generally no risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, if it is confirmed to be a migraine, it is still advisable to seek medical attention for appropriat...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Safety and Usage
Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Parasitic Fears and Depression
Illness anxiety, anxiety, depression? The reason for what happened is that last summer, I wanted to quit my habit of biting my nails, which I had for two months. So, I searched for the negative effects of this habit and ended up finding articles about pinworms. I completely freak...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Cheng: Your situation exhibits symptoms of hypochondriasis, which may be related to psychological stress. This can be improved through psychotherapy. During the therapy process, you can discuss with your therapist whether there are deeper underlying reasons behind your ten...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Parasitic Fears and Depression
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
Overcoming Anxiety When Using Public Transportation: A Personal Journey
Feeling anxious while using public transportation? Once, while riding an escalator, I had a thought that I couldn't quite identify. After forgetting it, I felt as if I had been hypnotized; the next time I used the escalator, I was going up. If it's a long escalator, I f...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to anxiety issues. 1. Facing an uncertain future, depression and anxiety disorders are common psychosomatic conditions in modern society. These are chronic illnesses that require long-term tre...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety When Using Public Transportation: A Personal Journey
Can Panic or Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can panic/depression turn into bipolar disorder? Am I experiencing this situation? About seven to eight months ago, I experienced panic attacks that left me unable to get out of bed. I was preoccupied with thoughts of life and death, and I exhibited nearly all physiological respo...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Hong: Your situation seems to resemble feelings of agitation, which is a common symptom in patients with depression. However, about 5%-10% of individuals diagnosed with depression may later exhibit symptoms of mania, at which point the diagnosis may be changed to bipolar d...[Read More] Can Panic or Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Your Symptoms
Should I Change My Serotonin Medication for Better Mental Health?
Is a change in medication necessary? Hello, I have been experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction for over ten years. I have been taking Lexapro 50mg for two and a half years (I started taking it due to panic attacks during the pandemic, which caused me to faint and be un...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
User: Based on your expertise in psychosomatic medicine, do I need to switch my serotonin medication to pursue better treatment? A: It may not be necessary to switch to a different medication, as the current one has at least prevented me from experiencing sudden collapses, whic...[Read More] Should I Change My Serotonin Medication for Better Mental Health?
Understanding Side Effects of Panic Disorder Medications
Side effects of panic disorder medications? Hello, Dr. Hsueh. In mid-January of this year, I experienced a recurrence of panic disorder that I had 20 years ago. I am currently seeing a doctor regularly at the hospital, and the doctor has prescribed medications: Ulotar, Anpan, and...
Dr. Xue Gengming Reply:
I recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Wishing you good health. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Panic Disorder Medications
Traveling with Psychiatric Medications: What You Need to Know
Medication Consultation Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about my situation. I have issues with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and panic disorder, and I am currently taking 15 mg of Olanzapine and 10 mg of Propranolol. I plan to travel to Thailand in April and would l...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
The online user An Li Ping mentioned that Anxiolytics are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances, while Propranolol is not a controlled drug. Generally speaking, these medications should be permissible to bring out of the country, but I am not a travel expert, so I recom...[Read More] Traveling with Psychiatric Medications: What You Need to Know
Should Students Seek Help for Mental Health Issues? The Importance of Treatment
Students are hesitant about whether to visit a clinic for medical care. Can they really recover without seeing a doctor? I previously visited a mental health specialist with my mother twice. After the first visit, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and prescribed medication, b...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, classmate: Your anxiety, panic, depression, and insomnia have severely impacted your daily life and have caused you significant stress about attending school. This situation requires professional help. Through consultations with a physician, psychological counseling, and m...[Read More] Should Students Seek Help for Mental Health Issues? The Importance of Treatment
Should I See a Psychiatrist? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Should I see a psychiatrist? Hello, Dr. Lin! I apologize for bothering you. I haven't been doing well these past few years. During my student days, I often took leave due to my menstrual cycle, and when I returned to school, I frequently felt like I was falling behind everyo...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety for a long time, including feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and a lack of desire to go out, which can severely impact your ability to maintain a normal life...[Read More] Should I See a Psychiatrist? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Effects, Side Effects, and Treatment Duration
Medication consultation Hello, Doctor. These questions are very important to me, and I hope you can help me answer them. Thank you. I was previously taking Lexapro 75 mg (two tablets), Suboxone 50 mg (two tablets), and Cardizem 10 mg (two tablets). The doctor mentioned a six-mont...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. Lexapro 75mg (also known as Escitalopram) has antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-panic properties. Sucralfate 50mg can be used as a gastric medication, while Atenolol 10mg can reduce heart rate and has anxiolytic effects. 2. Medications are metabolized daily and do no...[Read More] Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Effects, Side Effects, and Treatment Duration