Panic attacks are often associated with the person’s anticipation and worry about having another attack and often resort to avoidance of the situation that triggered the panic attack. Mild symptoms are usually treated with exposure therapy, allowing the person to encounter and experience the cause of the panic. However, in many life-threatening situations classified by frequent attacks and avoidance behavior, physicians recommend the person to undergo drug therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a popular medicine for panic attacks. Popular brand names of this medication include Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil. They have fewer adverse side effects in comparison with other anti-depressants, such as drying of the mouth, headache and drowsiness, sleeplessness, nausea and loss of sexual desire or ability, among others. Another highly recommended medicine for panic attacks is the Benzodiazepine commonly known with brands names such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan or Klonopin. Although they may provide faster results than antidepressants, Benzodiazepine, if taken without the physician’s close monitoring, can be addictive and may cause sleepiness, memory lapses, and unsteadiness.
If the person severely worries and anticipates another attack, he becomes dysfunctional and becomes unreasonably stressed. He is considered to have a disorder. As such, medicines are also recommended in order to avoid another attack that may lead to a panic disorder. These medicines include Antidepressants such as Effexor, Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Tofranil, Norpramin or Anafranil, and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Marplan, Nardil or Parnate.
Taking medicine for panic attacks may only reduce and control the severity and frequency of the attack. Still, the patient has to deal with its side effects. When the patient stops taking the drugs, there is a high possibility that the panic attacks may recur. Medicines combined with specific forms of psychotherapy are the best treatment to address this problem. However, as with any medicines, it is best to consult your doctor first. Medicine intake varies with each person and also, dangers of over dosage from self-medication and it’s side effects have to be considered.