Christian Counseling Online is your resource for information on medicine for panic attacks, as well as for all kinds of emotional and mental health information. Keep reading to find out the different types of medications available for panic attacks...
How Do I know if I need medication?
Choosing medication as a treatment modality for anxiety is a personal decision. But it should be an informed decision. Because of the nature of anxiety, it often responds well to a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Four reasons to consider medicine for panic attacks are:
- You find it difficult to practice cognitive behavioral techniques because of anxiety
- Your level of functioning is deteriorating
- You feel hopeless and/or suicidal
- You have been unable to gain control over your panic attacks despite diligently practicing your cognitive behavioral exercises.
Types of anxiolytic medications (medications that reduce anxiety)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's) -- examples are the generic names Imipramine, Clomipramine. An effective treatment response to panic attacks using Tricyclics may take up to 12 weeks. TCA's may have some positive effect on raising the level of serotonin in the brain, but primarily they work by increasing the levels of available norepinephrine in the brain .
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) -- examples are the trade names Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac. These medicines have been shown to be very effective in treating panic disorder, particularly Zoloft. It can produce a treatment response more quickly than the TCA's. SSRI's work by increasing the available levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. The side effects are more mild than those of the TCA's. Some of the side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia and some sexual dysfunction.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's) -- examples are the trade names Nardil and Parnate. MAOI's are thought to be superior to TCA's, however they can have life threatening side effects. Some patients may experience drowsiness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects, such as fatal rises in blood pressure can occur if taken with certain foods like wine or cheese which contain tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid found in aged or preserved foods. These medications work by preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Benzodiazapines (Benzos) -- examples are the trade names XANAX, Klonopin and Ativan. Though Benzos are a very effective medicine for panic attacks, these medications are highly addictive. Therefore, if the attacks are serious, then your doctor may prescribe a Benzodiazapine. But, within a few weeks, he/she may begin you on an antidepressant and then gradually taper off the Benzo. Side effects in addition to addiction, can be sedation and ataxia (loss of coordination). Because Benzodiazapines are a minor tranquilizer they work by depressing the central nervous system.
Adrenaline Blockers (Beta-blockers) -- examples are trade names Atarax and Equanil. These medicines block receptors in the cardiovascular system that cause heart irregularities like palpitations, or rapid or irregular heart beat. Often a Beta-blocker will be used in conjunction with a minor tranquilizer when the anxiety symptoms include prominent heart irregularities.
Talk with your Doctor and your therapist about your options
Again, whether to take medicine for panic attacks is a very personal decision which you need to discuss with your therapist and medical doctor. The goal of treatment is to ultimately be free of anxiety and medication. You need to find professionals who will work aggressively with you to that end. For more great information on panic disorder medication check out The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook.
