When You Need Medication For Panic Attacks

By: Ian Jefferson

It is necessary to take panic attack medication for the treatment of panic disorders. There is a wide variety of medications available and most need a prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter. When a person suffers from a panic disorder, the symptoms may include accelerated heartbeat, palpitations, sweating and various forms of distortions. One of the problems associated with suffering from severe panic attacks is that the person suffers from fear and anxiety of future panic attacks which may increase the symptoms and could cause other health problems. Treatment with panic attack medication is therefore essential.

Panic attack medications that allow the individual to feel calm, relaxed and at ease belong to a group of medicines referred to as Benzodiazepines, also referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers. When taking this form of panic attack medication, one may experience a decrease in panic attack disorder symptoms. The disadvantage of using Benzodiazepines is that they are addictive and cause constant fatigue. Various forms of this type of medication include Librium, Valium, Ativan and Xanax.

Antidepressants are also a form of panic attack medication which is used to treat long-term symptoms of panic disorder. On many occasions, the individual suffering from the panic disorder is also suffering from depression, therefore this form of treatment is utilized. Antidepressants work with the neurotransmitters in the brain, which send and receive messages, to control the symptoms caused by the anxiety disorder. Various types of antidepressants include Celexa, Pamelor, Elavil, Prozac and Luvox, to name just a few. These antidepressants all work with either one or two neurotransmitters in the brain, each targeting a particular source or symptom of anxiety.

When taking this form of panic attack medication, there are a number of adverse side effects that one may suffer from. As with any medication, not all individuals suffer from these side-effects, while some individuals may only suffer from one or two of these side-effects, and othersmay experience several. Side effects include, nausea, headaches, migraines, constipation, fatigue, hyperactivity, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and in some instances, dependency.

Not everyone suffering from panic attacks needs to take panic attack medication. In fact, many people are able to cope with their panic disorder in their own unique way. Some individuals do, however, consult a counselor to assist them with coping with and relieving their symptoms and disorder while other individuals have counseling sessions in addition to taking some or other form of panic attack medication.

When utilizing the resources that are available for the treatment of panic disorder, one should see a noticeable improvement in 6-8 weeks, however, medication and behavioral treatments may continue for much longer. There are many individuals who need to take prescribed medication for a period of 12 months or even longer. The same applies to counseling treatment. As a treatable disorder, panic attacks should not go untreated or ignored. With many proven techniques and remedies available, leading a normal and functional lifestyle is entirely possible for the anxiety or panic attack sufferer.

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