If you have recurrent panic attacks, you probably have visited your doctor or psychiatrist. He or she may have suggested the possibility of using medication, to combat your panic and anxiety. Although your doctor is very knowledgeable, being informed is still important. Panic attacks are most often treated with antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and beta-blockers.
Antidepressants are the main panic attack medication prescriptions that your doctor may discuss with you. These medications are also used for those who suffer from severe depression, so you may find that your mood will be boosted after you are taking the medicine for a while. However, it may take several weeks for the medicine to reduce your panic attacks, so you will have to incorporate other treatments in order to get relief quicker. Also, you will have to take the medication constantly, and not just when you have a panic attack in order for the medicine to work.
A newer type of antidepressant medication was introduced in the 1980s beginning with Prozac. The main function of this drug is to assist the brain in maintaining an adequate supply of serotonin. This neurotransmitter regulates a person’s mood and overall well being. Researchers have linked low levels of serotonin with panic attacks. Prozac, along with other similar drugs like Zoloft and Paxil can be categorized as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually well tolerated medications with no withdrawal symptoms unless patients stop taking them abruptly.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), the oldest type of antidepressants, are rarely prescribed today, as their side effects can be fatal. People taking MAOIs must not consume pickled, smoked, or fermented foods, such as red wine, cheese, or smoked salmon. In addition, MAOIs also react with other medication. These chemical interactions make MAOIs very dangerous. Ideally, you should avoid them.
Benzodiazepines are long term medications that can be taken for months or years. Xanax is a widely prescribed medicine. It can block panic attacks quicker than antidepressants and there are fewer side effects. However, some patients will develop withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue taking the medication too quickly. Doctors will advise patients to take lower doses continuously over a period of a few months. It’s best to have a physical exam and make sure that you are in pretty good health before you start the medication, since it can be very taxing in the nervous system when you are ready to quit.
When beta blockers first appeared in pharmacies, they were meant for heart conditions. Interestingly enough, doctors then discovered their potency as anti-panic attack medication. During a panic attack, your heart beats very fast. Beta-blockers such as propanolol prevent this from happening, therefore relieving many of the symptoms of a panic attack.
If you don’t want to take pills every day, there are several natural panic attack medication options that you may want to take advantage of as well. For instance, you can make changes to your diet so that you will be getting adequate amounts of vitamin B12 and niacin. Until you have made the necessary changes to your diet, purchasing a supplement from your local health food or grocery store will help tremendously as well.
One of the most frightening ailments that you can suffer from is a panic attack. You will feel completely out of control, both psychologically and physically. Find the information you need to know about panic attack medication and other treatment options at Help for Panic Attacks.