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.

Although antidepressants were originally designed to treat depression, psychiatrists and patients alike have found them effective against anxiety and panic disorders. If you and your doctor decide that you should be on antidepressants, remember that you need to be taking antidepressants regularly for a few weeks before you notice effects. So if initially you don’t feel better, just sit tight.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the newest and safest on the antidepressant market. As their name indicates, SSRIs stabilize the levels of serotonin in your brain. Clinical trials have demonstrated that SSRIs decrease the frequency of panic attacks by up to 75%. SSRIS specifically prescribed for panic attacks include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox). There is little chance of patients developing a dependency on these drugs. One negative thing about them however is that it will take four to six weeks for a patient to notice any improvement in his/her condition.

Tricyclics are also used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Similar to SSRIs, tricyclics harmonize the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. However, tricyclics have more side effects, including weight gain, drowsiness, vomiting, and fainting. Imimpramine (Tofranil) is commonly prescribed for anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are another type of panic attack medication that you may want to consider if you don’t want to take antidepressants every day. These drugs help to reduce anxiety, and will start working very quickly, usually within 30 minutes. You should take these pills when you are starting to experience a panic disorder in order to relieve the symptoms and calm your heart rate down. However, benzodiazepines can be very addictive, and when you are looking to get off the medication, the withdrawal symptoms can be very serious.

Beta blockers can be helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of panic attacks particularly rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling and blushing. These are safe for most patients and are not addictive. They can be especially useful before giving a speech or entering a situation that could cause an attack. Like all medications they do have side effects but fortunately there are not many of them. These can include short-term memory loss, insomnia and a diminished heart rate.

Foods that are high in vitamins B and C will increase the strength of your nervous system, and will give you the ability to think clearly in situations that may normally cause you to be anxious. You may even find that as you are making deliberate changes to your diet in order to improve your health, you will have the confidence that you need to handle the stress in your life with more ease.

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.

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