Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Medication For Panic Disorder And Atrial Fibrillation
Question: I have Afib and panic disorder. I take 50 mg. Atenolol a day. I am afraid to fly but need to fly to XXXXXXX in XXXXXXX I think I would like to consider taking something like Lorazapam or Ativan or even Xanax to help me over my panic. I have had this disorder for years and have always tried to avoid taking anything. I can't do that anymore because it really seems to affect my heart. I am weary of this very debilitating condition.
Thank you, Dr. Sheppe,
I think I will try to see someone here in XXXXXXX I may try the Prozac after all, but I am not wanting to take something indefinitely. I am only interested in taking something on an as needed basis. I don't even like taking the Atenolol but it is necessary. I still work full time and am very active despite my age. I intend to keep working another year or so.
XXXX
Thank you, Dr. Sheppe,
I think I will try to see someone here in XXXXXXX I may try the Prozac after all, but I am not wanting to take something indefinitely. I am only interested in taking something on an as needed basis. I don't even like taking the Atenolol but it is necessary. I still work full time and am very active despite my age. I intend to keep working another year or so.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Panic disorder is best treated in the long run with an SSRI antidepressant such as Prozac, or with psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Either of these options will eventually make panic attacks go away completely. SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac are very safe with very few side effects (some GI upset for a few days at first which goes away), and very effective. Drugs like Ativan or Xanax should not be used in people over the age of 65 due to serious risk of memory loss, falls, fractures, and oversedation. I recommend giving Prozac a try or seeking out a therapist.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are as-needed medications that are not as effective as Prozac, such as Neurontin, that may be helpful here while also avoiding the benzodiazepine medications (Ativan, Xanax) that are so dangerous. So that is another alternative.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Panic disorder is best treated in the long run with an SSRI antidepressant such as Prozac, or with psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Either of these options will eventually make panic attacks go away completely. SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac are very safe with very few side effects (some GI upset for a few days at first which goes away), and very effective. Drugs like Ativan or Xanax should not be used in people over the age of 65 due to serious risk of memory loss, falls, fractures, and oversedation. I recommend giving Prozac a try or seeking out a therapist.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are as-needed medications that are not as effective as Prozac, such as Neurontin, that may be helpful here while also avoiding the benzodiazepine medications (Ativan, Xanax) that are so dangerous. So that is another alternative.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
