How to treat gas problems and panic attacks in elderly?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 68 years old, and for the last six months, he has been suffering from a few health problems. He has a severe gas problem and stomach pain. He keeps complaining about gas getting accumulated in his stomach. As a result, he has burping and shortness of breath, and his heart rate increases. He also feels his head heavy. We consulted a gastroenterologist, who gave him medicines, and we also did a CT scan. But the doctor could not find the problem.

The medicines relieved his symptoms a little, and the sudden attacks got reduced. The doctor referred us to a psychiatrist, who gave him Sertraline 50 mg and sleeping pills at night. My dad has been taking the tablets for four days, and his BP has shot up to 170/90 mmHg. If he does not take the medicines, he has panic attacks. Is the suggested treatment appropriate? Why is his BP increasing?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the case history that you narrated, your father might have a somatoform disorder. It is good that the CT abdomen is fine. Your father's complaints are quite common among this age group. You had not mentioned whether he is having any history of forgetfulness, irritability, or drug abuse. However, I suggest you give capsule Pantocid-L (Pantoprazole and Levosulpiride) in the morning, on an empty stomach.

I suggest he also take the following medicines:

Tablet D-veniz 50 (Desvenlafaxine) in the morning.
Tab Arpizol 5 mg (Aripiprazole), half a tablet at night.
Tab Clonotril (Clonazepam) 0.5 mg at night if he finds it difficult to sleep.

Try this treatment for a month after consulting your doctor; it will give good results.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.