Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety In An Elderly Person While On Lorazepam

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 Answered on

Tue, 7 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have suffered from anxiety for most of my 76 years. It does not bother me when I am working or otherwise engaged, but when I have nothing to do I get anxious about situations like will my wife be home on time. I have been treated for about 20 years but the problem remains and although I like my physician, I am not getting any better. I am taking Lorazepam 1 MG 3 times a day, and Citalopram HBR 40 MG once a day. Is there something else I can do?

In confidence,

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pristiq will make better option

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

The available description favours diagnosis of genaralized anxiety disorder and considering the duration of illness and your age I feel prstiq will make a better choice for you.There are multiple other agents but I will request you to discuss prescription of pristiq and withdrawal of citalopram.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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