Panic attacks come in different forms, and can last for several seconds or several days. There can be a sudden onset or the symptoms can build up over several hours or days. For some, there is a trigger such as a phobia or a fear, and for others there is no apparent trigger. There might be a panic attack under a variety of circumstances, causing varying degrees of pain and embarrassment. Once the event has been recognized as a panic attack, there is a two-fold treatment approach to get help for panic attacks that involves medication for panic attack episodes and cognitive behavior therapy. The therapy helps the sufferer to break negative thought patterns and learn coping strategies.
Some panic attacks are mild, and there is no danger involved, except in the imagination. However, in more severe cases, panic attacks can cause headaches, hot flashes, asthma, strokes, dizziness, vomiting, nausea and unconsciousness. The person can also become verbally or physically abusive.
The cure for panic attacks usually depends on the cause, and if a physical condition is the trigger, it should be eliminated by treating the physical cause. Therapists recommend that their patients maintain a daily record or journal of their reaction to certain events so that the triggers can be more easily identified.
Medication for panic attack episodes is quite effective in controlling the symptoms; however, there is no drug that can prevent the panic attack from happening. There are no warning signs of panic attacks, and it takes only a few minutes for the panic attack to peak. Medication can help reduce the remaining ill effects of the attack, but once it has started, these medications are not much help as there is not enough time for them to work.
How do you choose panic attacks medications? There are two main classes of medication for panic attack episodes. The first is tranquilizers that help reduce daily anxieties. However, use of these drugs can lead to over-dependence on them. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are commonly used anti-depressants for treating panic attacks. These are generally quite effective; however there are a few side effects such as sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction. Benzodiazepines are another commonly used medication for panic attack episodes and they are known to act very fast, providing quick relief. However, these drugs are highly addictive, and there are serious withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to selecting the best medication for panic attack episodes, not taking any medication might the best choice, as all of these medications have side-effects. In order to get useful help for panic attacks, it is essential to identify the root cause, and then act proactively to face the fear through determination and a strong will instead of depending on medication for panic attack episodes.
Why settle for managing panic attacks when you can cure them? Visit the Linden Center For Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD & Phobias
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