Depression is a mood disorder characterized by such symptoms as feeling sad, loss of pleasure, changes in sleep, low energy, changes in appetite, concentration difficulties and suicidal thoughts, according to the American Psychiatric Association. A panic attack is marked by a period of intense discomfort or fear in which symptoms abruptly appear, including rapid heart beat, sweating, shaking, feeling of choking, dizziness, lightheadedness, fear of losing control or going crazy, and fear of dying. Medications can be used to treat individuals with both depression and panic attacks.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly called SSRIs, are antidepressants that are commonly used to treat panic attacks, according to an article in the June 1, 2006. issue of the “New England Journal of Medicine." SSRIs increase the level of serotonin in the brain, as described in the “PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals." Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or a biochemical that transmits signals between neurons in the brain. SSRIs that treat depression and panic attacks include Prozac--fluoxetine is Prozac’s generic name--Zoloft, or sertraline, and Paxil, or paroxetine. Some side effects of SSRIs include sleeping difficulties, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and sexual difficulties.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is another antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat panic attacks, according to the “New England Journal of Medicine” article. The medication, Effexor, is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, commonly called an SNRI, as noted by the “PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals." SNRIs increases the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Effexor has similar but milder side effects when compared to SSRIs.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, also known as TCAs, are prescribed at times for the treatment of panic attacks, as noted in the “New England Journal of Medicine." TCAs appear to affect the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, according to the “PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals." The TCAs used to reduce symptoms of depression and panic attacks include Tofranil or imipramine; Anafranil or clomipramine; and Norpramin or desipramine. TCAs have adverse side effects, including an increased heart rate, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain and fatigue. Also, TCAs can be deadly when taken in excessive doses.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, ot MAOIs, are sometimes used in the treatment of panic attacks, according to the “New England Journal of Medicine." MAOIs appear to increase brain levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, as described in the “PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals." The MAOIs used to treat depression and panic attacks include Marplan or isocarboxazid; Nardil or phenelzine; and Parnate or tranylcypromine. The possibility of lethal drug and food interactions exist with MAOIs. Extremely high blood pressure and even death may result from consuming drugs, foods and beverages with tyramine, such as cold medicine, red wine, beer or cheese.
References
- “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition Text Revision”; American Psychiatric Association; 2002.
- “New England Journal of Medicine”; Panic Disorder; Wayne Katon, M.D.; June 1, 2006.
- “PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, 3rd Edition”; Thomson Reuters; 2007.
