Understanding Panic Attack Medications
![]() |
Panic attacks are defined as severe episodes of anxiety that manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms of panic attacks include racing or irregular heartbeat, sweating, shaking, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, chills, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of extreme upset, fear or dread. Some people mistake the symptoms of a panic attack for something more serious like a cardiac condition. While panic attacks are quite unpleasant and can be frightening, the symptoms are not life threatening. That's not to say that panic attacks cannot affect one's life, however. People who suffer from panic attacks often have trouble at work and home.
Panic attacks are treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor or therapist may try cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, relaxation techniques, or dietary changes to try and alleviate the problem. However, more serious cases may require medication. There are a variety of panic attack medications that can be prescribed, as outlined below:
SSRIs -- SSRIs, or selective serotonin reputake inhibitors, are a class of antidepressants that are frequently used to alleviate depression and anxiety. These drugs include well-known names like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants on the market today and used to treat a variety of disorders and conditions.
TCAs -- Also called tricyclic antidepressants, TCAs represent some of the oldest antidepressants on the market. This category includes names like Elavil, Tryptanol, and Anafranil.
MAOIs -- This class of antidepressant comes with its own set of risks and is normally only prescribed when SSRI therapy has failed. Nardil, Parnate and Marplan are examples of MAOIs.
Benzodiazepines -- Benzodiazepines are drugs that are prescribed to relieve severe panic and anxiety and often have sedative or muscle relaxing qualities. Xanax, Librium, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan are all examples of benzodiazepines.
All medications come with potential risks and side effects, and while medication can be effective in relieving panic attacks, there's no such thing as a magic pill. If you think you need panic attack medications, consult with your doctor as soon as possible for more information and treatment options. Always take your medication exactly as directed and never stop taking it without your doctor's approval. Usually these types of medications must be tapered down over an extended period of time to avoid unpleasant side effects or relapse.
Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved
A sap and his ZAP (3) - Record-Searchlight (blog)
| ||
The Only Cure For Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, PTSD & OCD - OfficialWire (press release)
| ||
Panic Attacks EUR Do You Recognize Susan?s Panic Attack Story . Susan was relaxing like she did every Saturday morning at the nail salon. She had her feet in the tub, the massage chair activated and was... | ||
Review: CVLT's 'Producers' proves bigger sometimes better - News-Herald.com
| ||
Handling Anxiety Disorder Or a Panic Attack | Milinda's Question . When one is looking for ways of handling anxiety disorder or a panic attack you firstly need to have an understanding of how they work. Sometimes the answer to the question of handling these conditions lies within what makes them happen ... | ||
severe panic EUR central treatment of depression EUR after panic . causes and symptoms of panic attacks panic severosDescubre. The genetic basis of panic attacks are explored, and other potential triggers of panic attacks that... | ||
What is an Anxiety Panic Attack Symptom? | Milinda's Question "Are . When somebody has actually suffered from an anxiety panic attack most of the time they will no longer be focused on the anxiety attack symptom, but rather be in a state of fear as to when the next panic attack may take place. ... | ||
Jab to the neck treats PTSD? - 7Online.com
| ||
Chief Sets Record Straight About Poison Paper - KCTV Kansas City
| ||
ARELLANO v. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - Leagle.com
| ||
dsm panic attack criteria | Stop Panic Attacks dsm panic attack criteria. Alcoholism. Classification Alcohol and Health The short term effects of alcohol. The long-term alcohol. Alcohol and cardiovascular disease. Alcoholic liver disease. Alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol and cancer ... |
Technorati Tags: Panic Aattack, Understanding Panic Attack Medications, Panic Attack Medications
![]() |

