What Are Some Prescribed Common Medication for Panic Attacks?
People experiencing an intense or irrational fear for long periods of time can be considered symptoms of panic attack. This symptom could also lead to the inability of the body to absorb enough oxygen resulting to a difficulty in breathing or hyperventilation.
Another symptom of panic attack could also include trembling, profuse sweating, increased heart beat and even nausea. If you experience any or all of the above symptoms it is better to see your physician first before trying on any over the counter drugs or medications. They are in a better position to diagnose if it is really panic attack and if so they can prescribe proper treatment for panic.
The above symptoms can appear suddenly and without any provocation from an external stressors. They can suddenly appear too without a clear cause. When this happens aside from the above symptoms the sufferer may feel dizzy or light headed. The face may experience flushes and the sufferer may experience the feeling of losing touch with reality. This is like a feeling of being out of control of a situation.
And after this episode usually lasting three to eight minutes the sufferer may feel exhausted and too weak to continue with the normal activity he or she has been engaging prior to the attack. However, there are cases where the symptoms can last for several hours have been observed. These are now the instances where medication for panic attacks should immediately be administered.
What causes these attacks? Some cases ca be attributed to genetics where a parent can transfer the disorder to the children. Physical illnesses can also be blamed as well as too much exposure to stressors can also trigger panic attacks. Dealing with anxiety problems now depends on the person whether he or she has a strong tolerance for the disorder. For people with low tolerance medications are highly encouraged.
Below is a sampling of several medications for panic attack.
• Beta Blockers – This group of medications are very helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks. They can stabilize the rapid heartbeats, the shaking of the hands and legs, the trembling of the body as well as the flushing. However, there are side effects and this could include the feeling of light headedness, short term memory loss, diarrhea among others. Beta blocker includes Propranolol and Atenolol.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants – This medication for panic attacks can be utilized to treat severe anxiety or anxiety with depression. The disorder that can also be remedied by tricyclic antidepressants are the obsessive compulsive disorders. The side effects of this medication are blurred vision, sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, weight gain, irritability and inability to sleep normally at night. The common drugs are these medications are the Imipramine, Desipramine, Nortriptyline and Clomipramine.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) –This is another medication used in the treatment for panic attacks. Its side effects can include increased food intake, inability to sleep normally at night, dry mouth, weight gain, low blood pressure and problems with sexual activities. MAOIs include Phenelzine and Tranylcypromine.
• Benzodiazepines – These medications are also effective in controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety or panic attack. They can be taken as a single dose therapy or they can be taken for several months depending on the doctor’s advice. Side effects include decreased mental alertness, drowsiness, clumsiness, slurred speech, mood swings and irritability. Benzodiazepines can include Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam and Chlordiazepoxide.
• Tranquilizers – The type used in dealing with anxiety are just the mild ones. Tranquilizers are also used in the treatment of depression, phobias or the obsessive compulsive disorders. Its side effects include dizziness and headaches and drowsiness. The common drug prescribed by medical doctors is the Buspirone.
There are many drugs and medication for panic attacks available in the market today. They have different side effects which can impede with the normal flow of your lifestyle. It is always best to seek guidance from your physicians on what is the best medication is suitable for you.
Filed under Anxiety Attack, Panic Attack, Treatments by



Leave a Comment