There are many types of prescription drugs available for those who suffer from panic and anxiety disorders. Many of them can be highly beneficial for enhancing motivation and accelerating progress toward overcoming panic attacks and the problems that go along with them. Following is a look at some of the options available in panic attack drugs to help you decide if any of them are right for you.
There are a number of different types of antidepressants that are used to treat panic attacks. These are often effective and can improve the patient’s mood significantly. However there are also a few disadvantages to using them. They can take a while before any changes are noticed, some patients report weight gain when using them, and people with glaucoma or heart problems may not be able to take certain kinds of antidepressants. Possible side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision and disturbed sleep. However, it can be worth it to wait out these problems, because sometimes they will go away with continued use.
A newer type of antidepressant medication was introduced in the 1980s beginning with Prozac. The main function of this drug is to assist the brain in maintaining an adequate supply of serotonin. This neurotransmitter regulates a person’s mood and overall well being. Researchers have linked low levels of serotonin with panic attacks. Prozac, along with other similar drugs like Zoloft and Paxil can be categorized as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually well tolerated medications with no withdrawal symptoms unless patients stop taking them abruptly.
Tricyclics are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Similar to SSRIs, tricyclics harmonize the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. However, they tend to have more side effects, including weight gain, drowsiness, vomiting, and fainting.
Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax ) and diazepam (Valium) are sometimes used to treat recurrent panic attacks. Side effects are few, but some patients tend to feel drowsy when taking them. Unfortunately, your body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines, which means you must continually increase the dosage to achieve the same effects. They are also addictive. If you’ve had a history of drug abuse, stay away from benzodiazepines.
When beta blockers first appeared in pharmacies, they were meant for heart conditions. Interestingly enough, doctors then discovered their potency as anti-panic attack medication. During such an attack, your heart beats very fast. Beta-blockers such as propanolol prevent this from happening, therefore relieving many of the symptoms of a panic attack.
Panic and anxiety disorders are a widespread problem. If you’re looking for panic attack help, visit the Help for Panic Attacks site for the resources you need.