What is the treatment for anxiety even after taking drugs?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a problem with unity. And for me, it is a big problem that threatens my future. When talking to my face, my mouth tends to cry like a child when I am afraid of something, and this causes me a significant inconvenience. Please help me to overcome this problem before I lose my job.

I have met a doctor, and he prescribed me Cipralex 20 mg for two years, and the result was almost 60 percent excellent, and I stopped because the problem still exists. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand you took Cipralex or Seroplex (Escitalopram) 20 mg for two years, which is a good medication for managing anxiety disorder, depression, and other emotional disorders.

Did your doctor prescribe it for anxiety? Did he also diagnose any other problems? You report that the result was 60 percent and the problem still exists. Did you stop the medication on your own? Sometimes it is advisable to continue for a more extended period especially if the problem is persistent. Has there been any relapse in your symptoms since the medication was stopped? How long has anxiety been a problem? Is it something present since your early age or started only in recent years? Can you please clarify what you mean by the problem of unity? You have described some symptoms suggestive of excessive anxiety in some situations. You need to develop strategies and techniques to manage anxiety.

Did you receive any psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to manage your symptoms? Kindly explore the availability of CBT at your place. Along with medication, CBT is very helpful in managing excessive anxiety. Please also try these self-help measures at home to help manage stress and lower your anxiety.

1) Practice deep breathing techniques.

2) Do progressive muscle relaxation exercises daily.

3) Avoid too much coffee, tea, and fizzy drinks. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages.

4) Regular walking or exercise will help to improve your mood and lower your anxiety. Go for at least 20 minutes of brisk walking daily.

5) If possible, you can start some martial arts training (like karate, etc.) as it will help to improve your confidence and self-belief.

6) Do not isolate yourself and do not bottle up difficult emotions. Talk to trusted family members or friends regularly.

You are welcome to contact me again for any further advice.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your description fits in with a diagnosis of a social phobia which is a form of excessive anxiety in social situations. Your description of facial features manifesting like crying is probably linked to underlying extreme anxiety. It will gradually improve when your fear subsides, and your self-confidence gets better. Try the progressive muscle relaxation exercises I mentioned earlier which include activities for facial muscles as well, and it will help you to relax. You can do it twice daily.

Medication like Cipralex (Escitalopram) should be taken daily until it is stopped. It cannot be taken once a month or as needed. It does not work like that. So if there are no side effects, I will suggest taking it daily. You can consider stopping it when anxiety is better. If you can access CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), it will help as well to decrease panic and anxiety. Also kindly follow the other suggestions given earlier.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.