Q: I am 27 years old and have a severe anxiety for the past 5 years. I was prescribed lonozep, escitaloporam and beta cap. Lonozep worked but I got addicted to it. After a year I stopped it but my anxiety level increased even more. The doctor then gave me alprazoram and fludac. It is working but I want to know what is the maximum dose for alprazoram per day, for how many months can I take it? Is there any other safe medicine for long term use for anxiety?

A:Alprazolam is indicated for short-term use in severe anxiety. Fludac (fluoxetine) is meant for major depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The side effects of alprazolam are: Central Nervous System disturbances including impaired alertness, hypotension, GIT upset, amnesia (loss of memory). Impaired memory, coordination or attention. Dysarthria, ataxia, bone pain, breathlessness, increased salivation, withdrawal convulsion, tremors, decreased sexual libido, sexual dysfuntion. Prolonged use will lead to addiction and dependence same as Lonozep. Side effects of Fludac are: GI upset, headache, sleep abnormalities, anxiety, anorexia, drowsiness, dizziness, galactorrhoea, urinary retention, urinary frequency, sexual dysfunction, priapism, alopecia (loss of scalp hair), visual disorders, sweating. Rash or allergic reactions (discontinue), chills, photosensitivity, joint pains, muscle pain. Convulsions, euphoria, transient movement disorders. Abnormal liver function. Worsening of depression, suicidal tendency. Severe agitation-type events including agitation, disinhibition, emotional lability, hostility, aggression & depersonalisation. Nervousness, tremor, asthenia, respiratory symptoms, motor impairment, serum sickness. Erythema multiforme. Rarely, bleeding events, toxic epidermal necrolysis (serious). Platelet dysfunction. At this young age, why not try non-drug methods such as Yoga? For increased heart beat you can take Stadmed Beta (atenolol) 25 mg daily. It also removes anxiety.