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Doctor Prescribed Medication for Panic Attacks

Medication: Those that suffer from panic disorder can benefit from medication to treat panic attacks. There are two types of medication prescribed for those that suffer from panic disorder anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants. In some cases, when necessary, heart medication may also be prescribed.

Tranquilizers: Benzodiazepines are an anti-anxiety medication used for people that suffer from panic disorder for their sedation or tranquilizer effect. They decrease the physical symptoms of a panic attack (such as pounding heart, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, muscle tension, or nervousness) leaving the person calm and relaxed, and reduce the frequencey of panic attacks.

Unfortunately, the use of benzodiazepines is associated with adverse side-effects during use and after stopping the treatment. One of the most predictable side effects when used over the long-term is physical dependence. Used in combination with other central nervous depressants (opiates) or alcohol, benzodiazepines increase the risk of an overdose and death due to collapse of the central nervous system, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular system depression. Benzodiazepines can impair the ability to drive and operate machinery (impairment that can worsen in association with alcohol) or cause behavioral disturbances and cognitive impairment and deficits.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can be prescribed for those that suffer from chronic panic disorder or panic disorder associated with depression. Studies show that antidepressants reduce the panic severity, control anxiety, and eliminate the attacks. The two most common types of antidepressants prescribed for panic disorder patients are tricyclic antidepressants (which correct the imbalance of norepinephrine and serotonin) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (which corrects the serotonin imbalance).

Heart medication: In some cases, heart medication (such as beta blockers) is prescribed for panic disorder patients because of its beneficial effects over physical symptoms of anxiety (shaking and heart palpitations).

Return to: Main Article: Panic Disorder.

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Do you suffer from panic attacks? Contact Tulsa Therapist Alina Morrow, LPC, today to make an appointment and get the help and relief you deserve. You can reach me by texting or calling 918-403-8873 or by Email.

Page Last Updated: July 24, 2022