Alprax (alprazolam) is typically prescribed for anxiety and, while it can help you fall asleep, it is often not the best choice for helping you stay asleep through the night. Since it hasn't been working well over these 3 to 4 days, please consult your prescribing doctor. It is very important not to increase your dose on your own. Your doctor can safely evaluate your situation and adjust your treatment or suggest a more effective option.

Since pulmonary and cardiac causes have been ruled out, these symptoms might be related to Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (silent reflux), where stomach acid irritates the throat, or vocal cord hypersensitivity, which can be triggered by mask-wearing. Additionally, while Olkem (olmesartan) rarely causes cough, a review of your medications with your doctor is wise. I gently suggest consulting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to evaluate your throat.

Since you have been taking it for four months, it is very important not to stop suddenly to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Instead, the safest approach is to gradually reduce your dose under your doctor's guidance. They can design a gentle tapering schedule tailored for you. Additionally, because alprazolam is not typically prescribed for joint pain, your doctor can help you find a safer, more effective treatment for your joints. Please schedule a visit with them to start this transition safely.

Severe headaches related to anxiety are quite common and can occur because stress and anxiety cause tightening of the muscles around the head, neck, and shoulders, leading to pain and pressure. Anxiety can also disturb sleep, increase overthinking, cause fatigue, and make the body more sensitive to pain, which may worsen headaches. Some people experience tension-type headaches, while others may develop migraine-like symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, nausea, or dizziness during periods of stress. Lack of sleep, skipping meals, dehydration, excessive screen time, caffeine, and emotional stress can further trigger or worsen these headaches. Managing the underlying anxiety is often the most important step in reducing headache frequency. Try to maintain regular sleep, eat meals on time, drink enough water, and take breaks from mobile or computer screens. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, light exercise, and relaxation techniques may help calm the mind and reduce muscle tension. Avoid excessive tea, coffee, alcohol, smoking, and painkiller overuse, as these can sometimes make headaches worse over time. Mild pain-relief medicines may help occasionally, but repeated headaches should not be ignored or treated only with tablets. Since your headaches are severe and linked with anxiety, it would be best to consult a physician, neurologist, or mental health professional for proper evaluation. The doctor can identify whether the headaches are stress-related, migraine-related, or due to another cause, and may suggest counseling, stress-management techniques, or medicines if needed. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion, fainting, vision problems, fever, or difficulty speaking.

Your choking sensation and dry cough could indeed be related to anxiety, which often causes a tight feeling in the throat (globus sensation). Additionally, acid reflux (GERD) is a common, overlooked cause of these exact symptoms. Regarding your medications, Olkem (olmesartan) is generally well-tolerated, but blood pressure medications can occasionally contribute to a cough. Monteck LC (montelukast/levocetirizine) and Alprax (alprazolam) are unlikely to cause this. Please discuss these possibilities, especially acid reflux and anxiety management, with your doctor to help find you relief.

For your father's condition, it is strongly advised to consult a doctor or a qualified mental health professional for a proper evaluation. They can identify the underlying causes and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include therapy, lifestyle measures, or medication if necessary. Do not attempt self-medication, as it can be unsafe, especially in older adults.