Managing Anxiety and Nightmares During Pregnancy: Seeking Help
Recurring nightmares Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from anxiety for many years and have undergone psychological counseling and taken medication for a long time. However, I stopped taking my medication 15 weeks ago after discovering that I am 17 weeks pregnant. I was afraid...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, welcome to your correspondence. Patients with depression or anxiety disorders are prone to relapse under stress. Pregnancy is a stressful event, so many pregnant women experience emotional issues. Since medications can affect fetal development, doctors often ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Nightmares During Pregnancy: Seeking Help
Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Medication and Lifestyle Tips
Panic Disorder and Pregnancy Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from panic disorder for 7 years and have been taking medication, specifically fluoxetine. I experienced some improvement for a few months, but then I had a relapse. I am currently taking one pill daily. My premenstr...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
In principle, it is recommended to discontinue medication because safe pregnancy cannot be guaranteed. However, panic disorder can be treated and cured. It is best to undergo proper treatment and, once recovered, stop the medication before attempting to conceive.[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Medication and Lifestyle Tips
Is It Safe to Take Expired XANAX? Understanding Risks and Alternatives
Can you take expired XANAX? Is it still effective? Hello doctor, I stopped taking XANAX several years ago and haven't had any episodes since, but recently I've relapsed and it's been very painful. I'm experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling in my...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance that cannot be purchased freely to prevent misuse, as there are indeed cases of abuse. Therefore, physicians are cautious when prescribing it. For conditions such as panic or anxiety, the actual treatment involves the use of SSRIs (sele...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Expired XANAX? Understanding Risks and Alternatives
Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Issues of Panic Disorder During Pregnancy I previously suffered from panic disorder and have been off medication for a while after treatment. However, I occasionally feel uncomfortable or experience episodes (or take preventive measures before flying or traveling) and may take me...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Xiaoru, The safety of medication during pregnancy should be discussed and decided between the patient and the physician. It is best for you to inform both your psychiatrist and obstetrician about your condition, so they can weigh the risks of not taking medication versus ta...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders: When to Seek Help
Anxiety and panic? Hello, Doctor: I am a patient suffering from anxiety disorder, hypochondria, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I often worry and doubt that I have cancer or a serious illness. Whenever I feel a lump on my body, I fear that I have cancer. I freq...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello, In your letter, you clearly described your anxiety situation. I recommend that you seek medical attention from a psychiatrist or a psychosomatic specialist as soon as possible. Medication and some psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help al...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders: When to Seek Help
Understanding Anxiety: Is Your Autonomic Nervous System Out of Balance?
Is it autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, I was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder. A few months ago, I watched a health-related program that may have triggered my tendency to think negatively, especially regarding health. Whenever I feel even a slight pain, I beco...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, welcome to your letter. According to what you mentioned in your letter, you indeed have symptoms of anxiety disorder. Patients with anxiety disorder often experience some physiological symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, headaches, and tremors. In...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Is Your Autonomic Nervous System Out of Balance?
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Tremors, Palpitations, and Sleep Issues
Anxiety disorder issues Hello, Doctor: Recently, I suspect that I have developed an anxiety disorder. A few months ago, I watched a program about health issues, which may have triggered me to start thinking negatively about everything, especially regarding my health. Whenever I f...
Dr. Xie Yongfeng Reply:
It is recommended to visit the clinic for a consultation or to undergo a comprehensive health check-up.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Tremors, Palpitations, and Sleep Issues
Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Panic Disorders
Hypertension can trigger panic disorder? Hello Doctor, I experienced my first panic attack due to a cold that triggered my blood pressure to rise to 180, which had never been that high before. After seeing the doctor and resting, I couldn't sleep and kept thinking about a ne...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. Hypertension is often asymptomatic. To confirm a diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure must be measured in a calm state, and it should be elevated to make a definitive diagnosis. Patients with panic disorder often experience elevated b...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Panic Disorders
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Journey
Withdrawal reactions from antidepressant medications? About two years ago, I experienced palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness, and was diagnosed with panic disorder by a physician. I took Seroquel for about a year. When I first stopped the medication, I experienced in...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Withdrawal reactions from antidepressants, according to the literature, can last from a few days to 1-2 weeks, although many individuals may not experience any withdrawal symptoms at all, and it typically does not extend to two or three months. As for dizziness, it may be caused ...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Journey
Overcoming Uncontrollable Anxiety: A Journey from Self-Doubt to Healing
May experience involuntary tension and fear? Hello, Doctor: I have been a very lively person since childhood, and I also have a good appearance. However, during high school, I developed a lot of acne on my face, which caused me to hide in my room and avoid being seen by others. A...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Your condition may not necessarily indicate a specific illness. Some individuals are more concerned about how others perceive them or may lack confidence, which can lead to similar experiences as yours. I'm curious to know the extent to which your social, academic, or...[Read More] Overcoming Uncontrollable Anxiety: A Journey from Self-Doubt to Healing
Understanding OCD, Depression, and Panic Disorder: A Personal Journey
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor: I'm here again, and I apologize for that. (1) Actually, I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and panic disorder. Regarding my depression, it started many years ago when I worked as a server. My boss maliciously refused to...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Many times, although stress is temporary, it can evolve into conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression that definitely require treatment. Sometimes, even when the stress has dissipated, the illness does not improve, indicating that there are underlying physio...[Read More] Understanding OCD, Depression, and Panic Disorder: A Personal Journey
Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
My friend? My friend told me that recently he sometimes feels like he can't breathe, his heart races, and he can sometimes clearly feel his heartbeat. At times, he feels like something is pressing on his throat, which is very uncomfortable. He often feels like he is about to...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
It could possibly be panic disorder, but it is essential to first undergo a differential diagnosis through a consultation with a physician, either in psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Duration, and Treatment Options
Anxiety Panic Disorder Doctor, my symptoms seem to be getting worse! In addition to the dizziness and fatigue I had before, recently my heart has been racing, feeling hot and stuffy, and I'm experiencing difficulty breathing, almost gasping for air! My throat feels like it&#...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Peanut: When addressing any issues, it is essential to first identify the underlying cause, especially those that are "visible." As previously mentioned, priority should be given to cardiology. If the cardiologist determines that it is unrelated to mitral valve p...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Duration, and Treatment Options
Managing Panic Disorder: Safe Medication Options for Women
Panic disorder I have been suffering from panic disorder for many years, and I also have mild mitral valve prolapse. My cardiologist said this is a common issue and that I don't need to worry about it, but my panic disorder has not improved despite various treatments such as...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Ms. Huang: Thank you for your hard work. It seems that you have tried almost all possible treatments... However, when treatments are ineffective, it is often necessary to consider whether the medication dosage is sufficient, whether the treatment duration is adequate, an...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder: Safe Medication Options for Women
Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Heart Health and Mental Well-being
Mitral valve prolapse Thank you for your previous letter, Doctor! I went to the cardiology department and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. Should I focus solely on addressing the cardiac issues and symptoms of anxiety and panic, or do I also need to see a psychiatrist fo...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Peanut: It's great that the diagnosis came back so quickly! Identifying the cause is almost half the battle won. Mitral valve prolapse is one of the common conditions in cardiology, and there are likely many treatment options available. You should have a thorough disc...[Read More] Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Heart Health and Mental Well-being
Overcoming Panic and Anxiety Without Medication: A Personal Journey
Neurosis Doctor, I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety, but I don't want to take medication because it makes things worse and I can't even sleep. I really want to overcome my psychological barriers on my own! However, it seems like my ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Sky: In response to the two letters regarding autonomic nervous system disorders and neuroses, it is important to note that these conditions often involve some degree of depression or anxiety, and therefore, these terms are no longer commonly used in psychiatry. What makes...[Read More] Overcoming Panic and Anxiety Without Medication: A Personal Journey
Understanding the Differences Between Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction I would like to ask the doctor what the difference is between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and anxiety disorders such as pathological lying anxiety disorder. How can a doctor differentiate between these two? Can autonomic nervous syste...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Sky: In response to the two letters regarding autonomic nervous system disorders and neuroasthenia, it is important to note that these conditions often involve some degree of depression or anxiety, and thus, these terms are no longer commonly used in psychiatry. What makes...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
Managing Panic and Anxiety: Can You Skip Medication for Self-Adjustment?
Drug side effects Doctor, I have been diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety. The doctor prescribed me Cloene (clonazepam) and Mesyrel (trazodone) to take at bedtime, but I noticed that the side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, and mental confusion. I'm...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Regarding the medications you are taking and the timing of their administration, these two drugs have sedative and antidepressant effects. Taking them before bedtime is intended to induce sleepiness. If you take a sedative or sleep medication and do not sleep, it is natu...[Read More] Managing Panic and Anxiety: Can You Skip Medication for Self-Adjustment?
Helping a Friend Overcome Fear of Public Transport After Depression
Regarding the bus (how could it be?) Actually, this is not my own issue but that of a good friend (I want to help her). She developed depression around the first year of junior high school, and I believe it was quite severe! At that time, she was in such a bad state that she cont...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned, your friend is experiencing symptoms similar to panic disorder, which may require medical treatment. Typically, symptoms improve with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Wishing her a spee...[Read More] Helping a Friend Overcome Fear of Public Transport After Depression
Understanding Health Anxiety: Can Stress and Worry Lead to Cancer?
Hypochondriasis Hello, Doctor Hsieh: I am an anxiety disorder patient; I often fear that I will develop cancer. Whenever I notice any symptoms on my body, I become very afraid that it might be cancer, leading to feelings of depression and hopelessness. I have also become very neu...
Dr. Xie Dicheng Reply:
Hello: "Getting cancer" is very frightening, and "constantly worrying about getting cancer" is even more painful. The fundamental approach is not to focus on whether you will get cancer, but rather to first alleviate your anxiety and concerns. Seeing that your...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Can Stress and Worry Lead to Cancer?