September 19, 2009

Understanding the Choices in Panic Attack Drugs

Anxiety and panic attacks can come upon you at any time, and sometimes they even occur during sleep. Unfortunately, there is no clear reason for this. An attack may occur just once or many times. Chronic attacks normally have a particular trigger. Depression and phobias are some of the disorders that can give rise to panic attacks and anxiety. The happy news is that these attacks can be successfully cured with the help of drugs and various coping mechanisms.

While medication for anxiety and panic attacks is not a fix for the long-term, many folks who suffer from anxiety make use of it for immediate help. For instance, benzodiazepines are often prescribed for short term use to treat panic attacks, however have to be carefully monitored since they can be highly addictive. The side effects of benzodiazepines are drowsiness, fatigue, memory loss, and speech problems. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most widely utilized anxiety/panic medications to be used for extended periods. However, because they typically take a while to be effective, they are often used together with other panic attack medicines such as benzodiazepines.

Medications that fall under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, oftentimes shortened to SSRI, are frequently prescribed by doctors due to their effectiveness at managing panic attacks. Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac are but three examples of panic attack medicines available in the market. The drugs can be stopped once the patient realizes how to handle the triggers and break the panic cycle. Other popular panic attack medicines are clonazepam, alprazolam, and sertraline.

It is very important to keep in mind that anxiety and panic attack drugs do have some adverse effects, so you need to be under a doctor's supervision while taking them. You need to closely watch any changes in the situation, and make certain your doctor is aware of them. Panic attack treatments can include psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, and controlled exposure and are as important as medication in helping you cope with panic attacks.

Panic disorder can result from repeated, untreated panic and anxiety attacks. Only talk therapy will cure the root issues of the disorder, although drugs to alleviate the feelings of anxiousness and panic will allow the patient to focus on getting well. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to alter the mental processes and behaviors of patients in conjunction with anxiety and panic attack medication.

Panic attacks can be highly uncomfortable, debilitating, and, more often than not, very embarassing. Anxiety and panic attack medication is a helpful first step to cure the symptoms of this disabling condition so that you can seek more permanent help.

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.

Filed under About Anxiety by Candace Martin

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