Panic Attack Medication

Social phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic attacks are just a few of the anxiety disorders you can be diagnosed with. Sometimes these anxiety episodes can be worked through over time with therapy techniques, but if these techniques fail to give relief, medications designed specifically to alleviate anxiety may be a solution.  The two main types of medications to treat panic attacks and anxiety are tranquilizers and anti-depressants. Each of these types of medications has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a medication for panic attacks or anxiety, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine which medication would be most effective.

Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are drugs that can be used effectively to treat panic attacks as they are occurring. Some types of tranquilizers which are commonly used for panic attacks are Xanax, Ativan, and Diazepam. These medications are potent and should be used only when needed and as prescribed. One way that an anxiety tranquilizer differs from anti-depressants is that they are fast-acting, whereas antidepressants take time to work.  This means that once the symptoms of a panic attack are felt, the tranquilizers will begin to work shortly after being taken, resulting in the symptoms subsiding rather quickly.

The fact that tranquilizers are fast acting is an advantage that should be considered when debating whether or not to use them. Panic attacks that become more severe and cannot be controlled through cognitive therapy methods may be better dealt with using tranquilizers. These can allow you to relax during a panic attack instead of escalating into anxiety that is more severe.

One drawback of tranquilizers is that because they are fast acting, they are very potent, and a person may not be able to drive or really do anything that requires great deals of concentration and/or could be considered dangerous when taking these medications. These medications can also slow your reflexes and make you more tired, so tranquilizers are not a good choice to take when you need to stay alert and awake. As you take tranquilizers, your body may become used to the medication and over time you may require a higher dosage over time.

Anti-depressants

Another type of medication commonly prescribed for anxiety is anti-depressants. These work by gradually changing neurotransmitters in the brain to better handle stressful situations. Some of the more common anti-depressant medications prescribed to treat panic attacks  are Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro. When diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, it can be a trial and error to find the right medication. There can be many side effects and some medications may be more effective than others. It is not uncommon for people to try a few different brands and dosages while they are determining which works best to get their anxiety in check.

Anti-depressants have some distinct advantages over tranquilizers. Although some side effects are common while taking anti-depressants for anxiety disorders, the side effects are less severe and tend to disappear after becoming accustomed to the medication. Anti-depressants have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for many years and have been proven to be safe and effective. It’s worth noting that anti-depressants take some time to build up levels in the body, and there’s usually no noticeable improvement in your anxiety levels for at least three weeks once you’ve begun taking them. If immediate relief from anxiety is need, anti-depressants would not help.

When struggling with anxiety, it’s common to feel depressed, scared, or like you’re not in control of your life. While cognitive therapy techniques can help with some cases of anxiety, medications may be the solution for others. You should talk to your doctor to determine what the best course of treatment would be for your unique anxiety issues. After carefully reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of panic attack medications, you can then make an informed decision regarding which medication will benefit your unique situation.

Additional Information:

Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/tc/panic-attacks-and-panic-disorder-medications
Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs