Can SSRIs help with solving the problem of anxiety and stress?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing intense anxiety, stress, restlessness and insomnia over the couple of months because of stress at university.This anxiety has had a big impact on my life. Would you consider SSRIs helpful in this situation? Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I appreciate you for reaching out for help.

I have read your query, and I can understand your situation. You may have mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it, and you should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

I suggest you exercise 30 to 45 minutes daily, like at least going for a walk.
Meditate for 20 minutes daily. Just sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts. Just let it be. It will help you to relax.
Eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
Drink enough water.
Spend quality time with friends and family daily.
Spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
Have a good sleep of 7 to 8 hours daily.
Avoid tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.
Live your life, do not just spend it.
Be bold and confident.

I suggest you take Escitalopram (Escitalopram Oxalate) 10 mg daily in the morning after breakfast. It is an SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) group of medications. You can take the tablet Clonazepam 0.5 mg at night for restlessness and insomnia. Along with these, I suggest you get the below investigations done:

CBC ( complete blood count).
Thyroid profile.
Vitamin B12.
Vitamin D3.

I hope I have answered your query.

Please, let me know if you want some help.

Regards.