Medications are one option available for
panic attack treatment. Psychiatrists or other physicians can prescribe
anxiety medications for
panic attacks. These doctors often work closely with psychologists, social workers, or counselors who provide psychotherapy. Although
anxiety medications won't cure an
anxiety disorder, they can keep the symptoms under control and enable you to lead a normal, fulfilling life.
The major classes of anxiety medications include:
A number of medications that were originally approved for treating
depression have been found to be effective for panic attacks. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant, you will need to take it for several weeks before your symptoms start to fade. So it's important to not get discouraged and stop taking these medications before they've had a chance to work.
The different classes of antidepressants used as panic attack treatment include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Tricyclics
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Some of the newest antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs. These medications act on one of the brain's chemical messengers called serotonin.
SSRIs tend to have fewer side effects than older antidepressants. People do sometimes report feeling slightly nauseated or jittery when they first start taking SSRIs, but that usually disappears with time. Some people also experience sexual dysfunction when taking some of these medications.
An adjustment in dosage or a switch to another SSRI will usually correct bothersome problems. It is important to discuss side effects with your doctor so that he or she will know when there is a need for a change in your medication.
SSRI medications are started at a low dose and gradually increased until they reach a therapeutic level.
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