Is There Something That Can Be Done About Severe Episodes Of Panic Attack In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Thu, 13 Jan 2022

Question: I am 72 yeard old. I am an RN. about 2 years ago I started having Pnic attacks, I had no clue what tthey were, my friend a PA figured it out for me, I am on CElexa and have not had 1 attack in 2 years, but I had 2 last week. They are scary...…...THese felt like my brain is a puzzle in normal circumstances and all pieces are there, during the attack I felt very anxious and like pieces of brain were out of place, Best way I can describe it.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
panic attacks are very scary

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is unusual to start having panic attack in your 70s, but not impossible. The maximum dose of Celexa for those of us over 60 is 20 mg per day. If you are at that dose then your prescriber cannot increase the dose. Another medication may need to be added if you continue with the attacks. It is also possible that this was just an aberration and you will not continue with having the attacks. If that is the case then I would just continue on the Celexa at the current dose. In addition counseling or meditation exercises may help decrease your risk of having further attacks. Try to avoid all stimulants such as tea, coffee, and decongestants. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep, exercise and eating a healthy diet. Let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar