Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety

Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2016

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

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My age is 28 years. I am a swing trader in the equities market. The last few months I spent were under pretty stressful conditions ranging from bad food habits to long hours of work. Now I am suffering from bouts of immense anxiety even during my work hours and this has started taking a toll on my professional life. Is there any medication that i should take?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Medicines can help to reduce the anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Work stress, persistent physical stress, increased work hours etc result in increased risk of precipitation of anxiety. As you have mentioned that the anxiety is affecting your work performance so in such situation you should consider consulting a psychiatrist.

Medicines like Propranolol or benzodiazepines like Alprazolam or Clonazepam can help to reduce anxiety symptoms during aggravated work stress. These medicines can be used on SOS basis. Try to avoid using these medicines on regular basis. If anxiety persist then medicines like SSRIs can help. Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Escitalopram etc are SSRIs and help to reduce the anxiety if used on regular basis. These medicines help to control anxiety and are safe to use. So don't remain stressed, with proper medicines your symptoms will reduce. Visit a psychiatrist for help.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again if you have more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

1-What is the recommended dosage for the SOS and the regular ones?
2- Also what is the minimal dosage and duration for which it should be taken without any side effects?

Kindly, reply in detail. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details given below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

Clonazepam or Etizolam can be used on SOS basis in doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg. SSRIs like Fluoxetine is used in dose of 20-60 mg per day.

These are prescription drugs and you have to visit a psychiatrist for prescription.

Thanks, still have doubts please ask again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar