What Causes Persistent Anxiety Despite Taking Medication?

Posted on Sat, 18 Mar 2017

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

Sat, 18 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. Please help! I was widowed two years ago (my wonderful husband was only 59). Since then I've taken 100 mg. of Librium, 80 mg. of Inderal, and 80 mg. of Prozac with no problems except that I still have anxiety. A psychiatrist removed me from Librium and switched to .5 Klonopin twice daily. For the last two weeks, I continually can feel (or hear, if I lie down) my heart beating like crazy. My stomach is in knots like crazy! A GI specialist prescribed Levsin and I don't even take as much as prescribed, but my mouth is dry and, overall, I feel disoriented. Do you believe this is anxiety (I have to meet an attorney today) or medication side effects?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This is due to change of drugs.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Change of drug from Librium to Klonopin is probable cause that you are having worsening of symptoms. Both Librium and Klonopin are benzodiazepine drugs. If we conside equivalent doses then o.25 mg of Klonopin equals to 25 mg of Librium so the doctor has prescribed you right doses. But pharmacodynamics of both drugs is different. Half life of Klonopin is about 34 hours and of Librium is 96 hours. This difference is resulting in withdrawal effects which is resulting in symptoms. But these symptoms will decrease in some days by own and this is not worsening of anxiety. The dryness of mouth and disorientation like feeling will go in some days.

Thanks and Take care.

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

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

Dear Dr. Bishnoi,

Thank you kindly for your expert advice! I became so uncomfortable yesterday that I went to a prominent ER. Even though I seriously believed the explanation you gave, I was so uncomfortable (heart pounding, stomach in knots, disorientation, etc.) that I wanted other doctors to concur--and they did! They took me off Klonopin immediately and back on Librium. Within hours, my symptoms abated and I was finally able to sleep and then function.

It was a pleasure to deal with someone so knowledgeable so that I did not go uninformed; you have been a tremendous help! God Bless!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Its my pleasure that my advice helped you. You are welcome to contact again for more doubts.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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