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Fear and phobia
Hi i have prescribed vortidif 5 mg as per my doctor but i m scared to take medicine due to its side effects thinking that it could be dangerous for me like severe palpitations, stroke,bloot clotting and heart attack ,i ask the same with the doctor as well but he not gave the answer just said take your medicine,i m still in confused and scared about it as i have some anxiety issue and phobia like fear of death fear of heart attck and stroke...not able to bath alone or go outside...
Please help🙏 this just destroying my life...for past 6 month..🙏
Answers (9)
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What you are experiencing is a strong form of health anxiety, often referred to as phobic anxiety or cardiophobia. In this state, the fear of a serious health event like a heart attack or stroke becomes so intense that it begins to control your daily life. You are not afraid of the medicine itselfâyou are afraid of what your mind believes the medicine might trigger. This fear creates panic, palpitations, avoidance, and emotional shutdown. Vortidif at 5 milligrams is a low dose of vortioxetine, a newer antidepressant that is considered gentle on the system and is specifically used in anxiety and depression with cognitive fog. It does not cause stroke, blood clots, or heart attacks in healthy individuals. The symptoms you are afraid ofâfast heartbeats, dizziness, breathlessnessâare most likely caused by the anxiety itself, not the medicine. Your nervous system is stuck in a false alarm mode, and the very thing that can help calm it is what you have become afraid to take.
Next Steps
Start the vortidif on a calm morning after breakfast when you are not alone. If needed, start with half a tablet and observe how you feel over a few hours. Keep yourself engaged in simple, comforting activities like talking with a trusted friend, doing household tasks, or listening to soft music. When you see that nothing bad happens, the fear will begin to lose its grip. Repeat this gently for a few days. Do not skip or delay treatment because of imagined risks. The longer the anxiety cycle continues, the harder it becomes to break. You are not in physical dangerâyou are in an emotional and nervous system spiral that needs structured support and a return to inner safety.
Health Tips
Apply warm sesame oil on your chest and soles before bedtime to help calm the nerves. Sit in early sunlight for ten minutes every morning and breathe slowly through your nose with your eyes closed. Drink warm water infused with tulsi leaves or dry ginger. Practice a breathing pattern of inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale slowly for eight seconds. Do this five times whenever fear rises. Keep reminding yourself that this fear feels real but is not based on actual danger. You are not weak or broken. You are going through a temporary nervous system overload, and with the right steps, you will come back to balance.
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I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
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Hi
The thoughts you’re having about palpitations, stroke, and death are part of that anxiety loop, not actual signs of danger. Vortidif (vortioxetine) is often prescribed to help reduce such anxious thoughts.
It’s understandable to feel scared, especially when trust in the doctor’s explanation feels missing. But remember: the fear is louder than the risk. You’re not alone in this many people with anxiety fear medications at first. Starting with a low dose like 5 mg is a safe approach. Please don’t suffer alone therapy can help you gently face these fears and get your life back.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Just connect
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As per my opinion, you should continue the medication and wait for at least 2 week
You will feel better and had response on the medication
/* Your symptoms of anxiety as palpitation, fear of death, heat attack will also improve, do not think too much, just trust your doctor
Maintain follow up with that doctor, maintain a dairy of your anxiety or distress episode so that you can discuss in follow up visits regarding it
Also when symptoms of anxiety improve to 50%, you should also start relaxation exercises with medications
Next Steps
Start medications, you will be better, do not bother
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I understand your fear when you already struggle with anxiety and health related phobias, starting a new medicine like Vortidif (vortioxetine) can feel overwhelming. But please know that vortioxetine is generally safe and well-tolerated, and serious side effects like stroke or heart attack are extremely rare, especially at a low dose like 5 mg. Your brain is already in a “fight or flight” mode due to anxiety, which can cause palpitations, chest tightness, and fear making it feel like something dangerous is happening even when it’s not. This medicine is actually prescribed to help reduce those exact fears over time. You are not alone in this and you are not going crazy but to get better, it’s important to trust the process and take that first step. You can also ask your doctor if you can start with half a dose for a few days if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychiatrist if you need any further help
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As medication is almost safe , you can take the prescribed medication
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as per my opinion you also need some other medication along with it, kindly consult nearby psychiatrist or if not possible you can consult me online
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I think you have googled for side effect,but the mentioned side effects are not seen in every patient,also there are alternative medicine for this complaint
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you can start taking medicine or you should take with your doctor to change the medicine
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Dr. Vishal Bhatt
Psychiatrist
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Kindly connect immediately
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Dr. Sunil Nagar
General Physician
17 yrs exp
Rewa
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.