Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Medications for Panic Attacks: What Doctors Might Prescribe to You


Whenyou suffer from panic attack, one of the first things that would comeinto your mind is this: ‘What are the different medicationsfor panic attacks thatI can use to manage my symptoms?” There are actually a handful ofdifferent medications you can use that are sold through prescription.But you can’t buy just anything as some of these medications mightbe harmful to your health. If you are thinking of using medicationsto treat and manage your panic attacks, be sure to check with yourdoctor first to make sure that he approves of you using such drugsand if your body will respond positively to it.

Antidepressantsand anti-anxiety medications are most often the ones prescribed topeople by doctors. Panic attacks and depression as well as anxietyhas a close connection to each other thus they are included in themedications for panic attacks list.SSRI’s or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors like Prozac andZoloft are the most prescribed antidepressants in the world. Thesemedications help in increasing the amounts of serotonin contained inthe brain that lessens any feeling of depression and anxiety therebydecreasing symptoms of panic attacks as well. 

SNRI’s orSerotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are also a type ofantidepressant that works by increasing the levels of serotonin aswell as norepinephrine in the brain that helps people calm down andcome to a relaxed state of mind. Tricylic Antidepressants or knownfor short as TCA’s such as Anafranil are also often prescribed.These drugs work by increasing not just serotonin and norepinephrinelevels in your brain but to a lesser extent the levels of dopamine inyour brain as well which further helps you to relax and calm yourself.

Betablockers are often prescribed to people who have heart diseases andconditions to help them manage their attacks. But it can also beconsidered as among the medicationsfor panic attacks asit helps in controlling symptoms of panic and anxiety. This type ofmedication is also used to control excessive shaking and tremblingthat the patient might experience during episodes of panic attacks. 

Beta blockers have a lesser side effect that one can expect formunlike antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. But some of theside effects that one can experience include light headedness,drowsiness, sleeplessness, diarrhea, cold extremities and short termmemory loss. Examples of beta blockers are Atenolol and Propranolol.

Mildtranquilizers such as Buspirone are also used to help treat peoplewith panic attacks. This help in calming the body and letting moreair inside the lungs to help your body further relax. Although thereare a few side effects to this medicationsfor panic attacks butit usually goes away after a few days of usage. 

And, only a fewpercentage of people with panic attacks who were prescribed with thisexperienced such side effects. One might feel mild drowsiness,dizziness and headache.

Theseare the medicationsfor panic attacks thatyou might be prescribed to you by doctors to help you manage yourpanic attacks. But when you are prescribed with one, make sure thatyou don’t overuse and abuse the drugs as it might worsen yourcondition.