1. Get a Diagnosis
According to the DSM-IV, (a diagnostic manual for clinicians) panic attacks are unexpected, brief, intense episodes in which you might experience such things as dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, tingling sensations, intense fear of dying or "going crazy," rapid or irregular heart beat and/or trembling. If you just had this happen once, then you could say, "Once I had a panic attack." However, when you have one, you often fear having another, and another. That fear reaction sets up a self-fulfilling prophecy cycle in which you begin to have more and more panic attacks. If this is true for you, then your doctor will probably diagnose you with Panic Disorder. All treatments require a diagnosis as a first step.
2. Combine Therapy With Drugs
It is not the intention of most doctors that you take medication to the exclusion of any other kind of therapy. But the medications do help you reach a level of calmness at which you can learn to self-assess and develop some special skills that can permanently rid you of Panic Disorder. Then you can stop taking the drugs.
3. Get Educated
There are three different types of medications you can take for Panic Disorder, which you should research and thoroughly discuss with your doctor:
1) Anti-anxiety drugs include Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonapin and Valium; Azaspirones, the most common of which is BuSpar; and Beta-blockers, such as Inderal or Tenormin. Some Benzodiazepines can be taken at the onset of anxiety to prevent a panic attack. However, they are addictive and should only be used as prescribed and should only be stopped under a doctor's supervision. Azaspirones are less addictive and have fewer side-effects. Beta-blockers can eliminate some of the physical sensations of panic such as sweating, trembling and palpitations.
2) Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants also effective in treating underlying anxiety, thus reducing the possibility of panic. Your doctor will be able to work with you on the most effective SSRI for you.
3) There are also some herbal remedies on the market that might help, such as the more commonly used Kava Kava, Chamomile, Passion Flower and St. John's Wort. However, some of these herbs interact badly with prescription drugs, so you should always discuss these with your doctor before starting them.
4. Take Drugs as Prescribed
If you are hesitant to take drugs because you feel that you "should" be able to calm down on your own, remember that this "should" just puts more pressure on you, which only increases anxiety. Drug intervention should be seen as temporary, while you learn essential coping skills. Further, you should give the drugs an appropriate length of time to change how you feel. So, don't stop taking your medications if side effects occur. Many side-effects disappear after a brief period, but others require a medication adjustment or change. Don't take more or less than prescribed and keep your doctor up-to-date on both problems and improvements. Your cooperation is essential to your recovery.
