Stopping a panic attack after it's started is not an easy task. Mostly, you have to ride it out, stay calm, and lean on your experience. Certain drugs can provide immediate relief, but they usually have some severe side effects. So the question is, what types of panic attack remedies truly work? Here are some real ones that do.

Exercise would be a good start. Even the lightest exercise done on a regular basis can have very positive effects on your life. Aerobic exercise in particular increases the heart's capacity for work and just knowing that your heart's in a little better shape can ease your mind about facing your next panic attack.

Avoid substances that heighten anxiety or change your mood. Too much caffeine can sometimes jump-start a panic attack. Alcohol can also have a similar effect. If you have any known allergies to substances, avoid those too because they may have a hand in altering your mood and plunging you into an anxiety attack.

Consider including certain natural, herbal remedies in your diet. Certain teas like Passion Flower tea or Lemon Balm tea are well known for their gentle sedative properties. Chamomile is another calming tea often used to ease away the stress of the day. A cup before bedtime can help you get a restful night's sleep and be more prepared to deal with tomorrow's problems.

Take the time to learn a relaxation technique or two. For instance, there are simple yoga breathing exercises you can learn and perform just about anywhere. And they can have an immediate calming effect. Or you can spend more time and take a course on meditation and learn how to use guided imagery as a tool to control your stress.

Engage in some active behavioral therapy on your own. In other words, make an effort to do more fun things in your day or week. And make a similar effort to eliminate one or more stressful things. For instance, set aside some time to get out of the house and see a movie every week. At the same time, maybe you could turn off that cell phone on Friday nights.

Talk to someone. This can be as formal as seeking professional counseling, or as informal as just talking to a close friend about what you're feeling. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with someone can be cathartic and make you feel more capable of handling the next anxiety attack.

In today's world, you have options. You don't have to rely on drugs or drug therapy as your only option for anxiety relief. You can take active steps to improve your situation by changing habits and behaviors. You can make real progress in your life and find your own panic attack remedies that help chase panic away for good.