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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And GERD In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Question: Hi again Dr Sheppe 62 year old female with panic disorder. I also have Gerd. When I eat I tend to hyperventilate, I feel full of anxiety Tomorrow I see my psychiatric nurse practioner who has me on 60 mgs of Prozac. She mentioned or there things when actually prozac has been a very good drug. I'm in the early start of this depression.About 3 weeks on 60 mgs My husband and I felt I landed here because Prozac has a long half life I may have taken advantage of this and wasn't as compliant as I could have been.Like skipping doses, and taking it as remembered at different times which may be why I landed so hard this time. I love Prozac it's always been a verygood drug and I have carried on for years as well functioning and normal as can be.Work ed etc..Right now I'm on a work leave.I'd like to remaiin on it because I'm not afraid to take it. Also are we talking 12 weeks before we see result? Again I'm on week 3.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

You need to take Prozac every day in order for it to work correctly. Having a long half-life does not mean you don't need to take it every day, as missing doses will still decrease the blood level significantly. Once you start taking it every day, it may take up to 4-6 weeks to see full benefit of the most recent dose change.

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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And GERD In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. You need to take Prozac every day in order for it to work correctly. Having a long half-life does not mean you don't need to take it every day, as missing doses will still decrease the blood level significantly. Once you start taking it every day, it may take up to 4-6 weeks to see full benefit of the most recent dose change. 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