Panic Attack Medication
A panic disorder is frequently characterized by numerous panic attacks that can affect an individual’s quality of life. Panic attack medication, coupled with therapy, may be able to alleviate the stress and discomfort that is experienced with the condition. While panic attack medication can aid with physical ailments, therapy can assist with emotional and behavioral symptoms. When both of these measures are used together, a panic attack sufferer will experience anxiety less frequently.
With the proper panic attack medication, an individual has the chance to reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks. There are many different forms of panic attack medication that can treat a panic disorder. These products can aid in controlling the most common symptoms so that the sufferer can attempt to lead a normal life.
Some of the most recognized medications include Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. They are antidepressants that are categorized as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The nerves in the brain release chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, to communicate with one another. This type of treatment affects a brain’s neurotransmitters that are used to transmit messages, by allowing the nerves to gain access to more serotonin. This is accomplished by preventing the “reuptake” of neurotransmitters that were not used by other nerves. The final result alleviates panic symptoms.
Before SSRIs were available, panic attack sufferers would use tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) such as Norpramin, Tofranil or Anafranil. TCAs can be just as effective as SSRIs in treating panic disorders. However, SSRIs have a proven track record of not only being safer, but also being more likely to be tolerated by the body and the individual. Consequently, TCAs are being used less.
When using any medication, there are potential side effects that need to be monitored. This is why it is crucial that a patient inform their doctor of any complications or changes in their health or behavior. Even though panic attack medication can be quite effective, each person is different and may therefore experience very minor effects or life-threatening ones. It is recommended that pregnant women not take these treatments because of the potential negative effects it can have on a fetus.
Another set of medications that can be taken for panic attacks is benzodiazepine-based drugs. These are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and include Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin and Valium. They are known to cause a reduction in nervousness and anxiety. It is most effective for immediate relief as opposed to SSRIs which need to be taken on a regular basis.
Once a medication regime is started, a panic disorder sufferer can expect to see a significant improvement within a few weeks. Doctors will often times prescribe a higher does if results are not seen within 6 to 8 weeks. For long-term effectiveness, these medications should be taken for over one year and will be gradually reduced over the course of several weeks. Once the medication is scaled back, a sufferer may being to experience panic attacks again, which will prompt a reintroduction of the medication for a few more months. Depending on the specific individual, the medications may need to be taken for a long period of time in order to properly regulate the symptoms.
