Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Anxiety Attacks Despite Taking Lorazepam
Posted on
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Answered on
Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : My husband is having serious problems with anxiety and gets very depressed in addition to the
anxiety attacks. How can I get help for him and what kind of physician do I need to seek out for him. His attacks or becoming more frequent within the last few weeks. He is currently on a prescription prescribed by our primary care doctor, Lorazepam. I feel he needs to see someone who might be able to find what is causing this so he can be treated for the underlying cause.
anxiety attacks. How can I get help for him and what kind of physician do I need to seek out for him. His attacks or becoming more frequent within the last few weeks. He is currently on a prescription prescribed by our primary care doctor, Lorazepam. I feel he needs to see someone who might be able to find what is causing this so he can be treated for the underlying cause.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Panic attacks are a psychiatric condition caused by hyperactivation of the limbic system in the brain. Lorazepam is only intended for short-term treatment. Long-term treatment of panic attacks is very effective and includes SSRI antidepressants such as escitalopram or sertraline. I would consult with a psychiatrist in-person to consider an SSRI antidepressant to treat panic attacks. It is safe to continue taking the lorazepam for now.
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 attacks are a psychiatric condition caused by hyperactivation of the limbic system in the brain. Lorazepam is only intended for short-term treatment. Long-term treatment of panic attacks is very effective and includes SSRI antidepressants such as escitalopram or sertraline. I would consult with a psychiatrist in-person to consider an SSRI antidepressant to treat panic attacks. It is safe to continue taking the lorazepam for now.
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
