85-year old healthy male to undergo T.U.N.A. in a week, suffering from anxiety.
What short-term anti-anxiety med would be recommended?
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!
Q: What short-term anti- anxiety drug has the least side effects and which would be recommended?
Answers (3)
7/26/08 3:29pm
Sandra - I am not a physician but work with lots of people with anxiety. The medications in the benzodiazepine family are typically considered for short term use. They work quickly and for varying lengths of time depending on the specific medication. When used for a week at low doses the side effects are manageable as long as they are prescribed by a physician who understands this man's general health status. His doctor should be able to suggest several options.
Rick Wirtz
7/25/08 1:33pm
Hi Sandra,
I am not sure there is a short term medication for anxiety. If I understand correctly, your man is going to have Transurethral Needle Ablation. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) is a simple, safe, and relatively inexpensive procedure using needles to deliver high-frequency radio waves that heat and destroy prostate tissue. You can read more about the procedure here, and basically it is considered to be one of the less invasive and more simple treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
The best thing to do is speak to the doctor and let the doctor know that the anticipation of this surgical procedure is affecting your 85 year old adversly. If there is something that can be prescribed short term, the doctor will be able to work that out for you.
If you would like information about the TUNA procedure, you can visit this page at HealthCentral's sister site, www.prostatecommons.com.
Good luck and stay in touch. Let us know how the surgery goes!
Vicki M
8/ 1/08 8:28pm
I would use a a lose dose of xanax or xanax xr. Try small dose first and see if it works.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
