Panic attacks are characterized by feelings that you might die or loss of control and physical symptoms such as stomach issues, sweating, racing pulse, trouble breathing, chest pain and dizziness. According to HELPGUIDE.org, medication should not be the only treatment used for panic disorders. Other treatment methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. However, someone experiencing panic attacks with agoraphobia, which can make shopping for groceries or getting a haircut almost impossible, may need medication to participate in other treatments.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclics are usually the first prescribed medication for anxiety disorders. Many antidepressants have less serious side effects than anti-anxiety medications, also known as benzodiazepines. Antidepressants work by altering the unbalanced chemistry in the brain that increases symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The down side to antidepressants is how long they take before they begin working. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it usually takes between four and six weeks for antidepressants to become fully effective. This means that someone experiencing panic attacks can continue to have them while the medication takes time to build up in his system. Also, you have to continue taking antidepressants on a regular basis for them to be effective. You can't just take one when you're beginning to have symptoms of a panic attack. Antidepressants might be a good option for someone who experiences panic attacks regularly and also suffers from agoraphobia, because he may need to take the medication for longer than one year.
Benzodiazepines
The most serious side effect of benzodiazepines such as Klonopin and Ativan is the addictive quality of the medication. According to HELPGUIDE.org, people taking benzodiazepines can become dependent on the medication and suffer serious withdrawal symptoms when they decide to stop taking it. However, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that someone with panic disorder can take anti-anxiety medications for up to one year without serious addictive consequences. The most common side effect is drowsiness.
Unlike antidepressants, many benzodiazepines act within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Therefore, someone who has sporadic panic attacks may benefit from taking this medication upon feeling the beginning of a panic attack. Panic attacks are not continuou,s unlike other anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and that's why some doctors prescribe anti-anxiety medication over antidepressants. Instead of taking medication every day, the person can take it when needed.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are normally used to treat heart conditions; however, they can also be effective on a short-term basis for symptoms of anxiety. Someone who knows they're more likely to have panic attacks when in certain locations such as a board meeting may take a beta blocker before the meeting to stave off symptoms of anxiety. These medications are not meant for long-term or regular use.
