Panic Attack Medications

Understanding Panic Attack Medications

Panic attacks are defined as severe episodes of anxiety that manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms of panic attacks include racing or irregular heartbeat, sweating, shaking, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, chills, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of extreme upset, fear or dread. Some people mistake the symptoms of a panic attack for something more serious like a cardiac condition. While panic attacks are quite unpleasant and can be frightening, the symptoms are not life threatening. That's not to say that panic attacks cannot affect one's life, however. People who suffer from panic attacks often have trouble at work and home.

Panic attacks are treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor or therapist may try cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, relaxation techniques, or dietary changes to try and alleviate the problem. However, more serious cases may require medication. There are a variety of panic attack medications that can be prescribed, as outlined below:

SSRIs -- SSRIs, or selective serotonin reputake inhibitors, are a class of antidepressants that are frequently used to alleviate depression and anxiety. These drugs include well-known names like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants on the market today and used to treat a variety of disorders and conditions.

TCAs -- Also called tricyclic antidepressants, TCAs represent some of the oldest antidepressants on the market. This category includes names like Elavil, Tryptanol, and Anafranil.

MAOIs -- This class of antidepressant comes with its own set of risks and is normally only prescribed when SSRI therapy has failed. Nardil, Parnate and Marplan are examples of MAOIs.

Benzodiazepines -- Benzodiazepines are drugs that are prescribed to relieve severe panic and anxiety and often have sedative or muscle relaxing qualities. Xanax, Librium, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan are all examples of benzodiazepines.

All medications come with potential risks and side effects, and while medication can be effective in relieving panic attacks, there's no such thing as a magic pill. If you think you need panic attack medications, consult with your doctor as soon as possible for more information and treatment options. Always take your medication exactly as directed and never stop taking it without your doctor's approval. Usually these types of medications must be tapered down over an extended period of time to avoid unpleasant side effects or relapse.

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