Suggest Treatment For Anxiety

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus two years ago. I'm a 52 year old man. This past February I was urinating a lot more than I thought that I should. so I went into the doctor. They did a urinalysis and found microscopic hemituria in my urine. With my age and smoking history they sent me too a urologist. They did another urinalysis with no blood present and did a rectal exam and found my prostrate enlarged but not remarkable for my age. They scheduled a CT of my abdomen and pelvic area, PDA, and a cystoscopy. They said everything was normal and no sign of cancer. The CT scan was with and without contrast. Would it show other organs as well? And which ones? I've had a hard time accepting this and think they have missed something and they said they haven't. I run to them for every little thing now. They put me on effexor CR 37.5mg and said I'm suffering from health anxiety . Since then I've had a CT scan of my head and a chest xray , these have all came back normal. I've been on the effexor for 5 months, could it be making me so tired? Would you agree with my Doctors? I've also been working 2 jobs with one 64 hours in two weeks and a mother 70 hours in two weeks. My biggest problem now is I'm always tired and constantly worrying that I'm dying and they missed it. I must sound crazy. If there's anything you can do to reassure me or recommend that I do, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Yes, it is clear that you are suffering from illness anxiety disorder. Your medical workup has been extremely thorough -- your anxiety about a serious illness is out of proportion to reality. Effexor is a decent medication for anxiety, but you also need to be seeing a therapist at least weekly for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work through your illness anxiety disorder.

Please rate and close your answer when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 minutes later)

so you are agreeing with my Doctors. Could the effexor be making me tired. some people think it's my losartan 100mg for my blood pressure.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Effexor is unlikely to be making you tired -- typically it is associated with an INCREASE in energy. Losartan also typically does not cause fatigue. Fatigue may be related to anxiety and sleep hygiene.

Please rate and close your answer when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D