Christian Counseling Online is your resource for information on panic disorder medications, 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 disorder...
When should I consider medication?
When to choose medication as a treatment modality for anxiety is purely a personal decision. However, because of the nature of anxiety, it often responds well to a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Reasons to consider panic disorder medications are:
- You are not making the progress you would like simply using a therapy modality
- Your level of functioning is deteriorating
- You feel hopeless and/or suicidal
- You have been unable to control your panic attacks despite diligently practicing your cognitive behavioral exercises.
Types of anti-anxiety medications
TCA's (Tricyclic Antidepressants) -- examples are the generic names Imipramine, Clomipramine. An effective treatment response to panic disorder using Tricyclics may take up to 12 weeks. TCA's may have some positive effect on the level of serotonin, but mainly they work by increasing the levels in the brain of available norepinephrine.
SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) -- examples are the trade names Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac. These drugs have been shown to be quite 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, dizzines, insomnia and some sexual dysfuntion.
MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) -- examples are the trade names nardil and parnate. The MAOI's are thought to be superior to the TCA's however they do come with certain common side effects. Some patients may experience drowsiness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects such as fatal rises in blood pressure can occur and therefore they are seldomed prescribed here in the US. if prescribed, certain foods like wine, cheese which contain tyramine must be avoided. Tyramine is an amino acid found in aged or preserved foods. These medications work by preventing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Benzos (Benzodiazapines) -- examples are the trade names XANAX, Klonopin and Ativan. Though very effective in stopping panic attacks -- generally within a week or two -- these medications are highly addictive. Therefore, if the attacks are serious, then your doctor may prescribe a Benzodizapine initially, but within a few weeks 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.
Beta-blockers (Adrenaline Blockers) -- examples are trade names Atarax and Equanil. These medications 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 palpitations.
Discuss with your Doctor
Again, whether to take panic disorder medication 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 Cure.
