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What Causes Sudden Breathlessness, Choking And Depression In A 38 Year Old Woman?
Question: I am a 38 y/o female going through a divorce. I work in the addiction field and am a recovering alcoholic. I consistently wake up everyday not being able to breathe and that I am choking. I am currently on leave from my job and do not think I cud ever go back. I am very depressed and scared all of the time. I don't know why I can't work but I know that I cannot breathe when I am there. I am becoming scared to leave the house and I have so much emotion swirling in my head and body that I feel paralyzed. Can someone tell me what is happening?
I meant to say i take cymbalta, lamictal, klonopin, and trazadone for my meds
I meant to say i take cymbalta, lamictal, klonopin, and trazadone for my meds
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time. Here are my thoughts.
What you describe is a mixture of anxiety, panic symptoms, and depression. Bipolar depression can be difficult to treat. Standard treatment involves a mood stabilizer like Lamictal, lithium, or depakote, and either an antidepressant or a neuroleptic. I would suggest that if Lamictal and Cymbalta are not working, you may need a change. I would suggest trying Latuda or Abilify, two neuroleptics proven to help bipolar depression. As for the anxiety/panic, you may need a higher dose of Klonopin. Alternately, if medications are not helpful, an equally effective measure is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You should attempt to locate a CBT therapist in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time. Here are my thoughts.
What you describe is a mixture of anxiety, panic symptoms, and depression. Bipolar depression can be difficult to treat. Standard treatment involves a mood stabilizer like Lamictal, lithium, or depakote, and either an antidepressant or a neuroleptic. I would suggest that if Lamictal and Cymbalta are not working, you may need a change. I would suggest trying Latuda or Abilify, two neuroleptics proven to help bipolar depression. As for the anxiety/panic, you may need a higher dose of Klonopin. Alternately, if medications are not helpful, an equally effective measure is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You should attempt to locate a CBT therapist in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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