Panic and anxiety attacks are behavioral conditions, and are not mental illnesses. Most psychologists and psychiatrists prescribe panic attack medication to treat the problem and provide effective help for panic attacks. Doctors use panic attack medication to treat the symptoms, as this is the only possible quick fix available. However, these medications are not the answer in the long run. Valium is the most commonly used panic attack medication, but most people feel that this drug has many unpleasant side-effects.
Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat severe depression, panic attacks, obsession disorders and depression with anxiety. Some of the side-effects associated with these medications are constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, postural hypotension, difficulty urinating, loss of sex drive, tachycardia, blurred vision, erective failure, sedation, sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, weight gain, irritation, jitteriness, disturbed sleep patterns and unusual energy.
Other panic attack medications are benzodiazepines. These medicines are often quite effective in treating the panic attack symptoms, but not in all cases. These medications are usually taken several times a day, or as a single dose therapy, and some of the most common side-effects include reduced mental sharpness, drowsiness, clumsiness, slurred speech, sexual side effect, less occupational efficiency, agitation, irritability and increased susceptibility to the effects of alcohol. Some of the common benzodiazepines are Valium, Klonopin, Librium and Serax.
Beta blockers are also commonly used panic attack medications and are helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. The common side-effects include lightheadedness, short-term memory loss, drowsiness, insomnia, decrease in heart rate, feeling cold in the extremities, diarrhea, nightmares and depression. Propranolol and Atenolol are examples of beta blockers.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are also used as panic attack medications, and they work differently as compared to traditional anti-depressants. These medications assist the brain to maintain the neurotransmitter serotonin level, which is found to be low in the sufferers of OCD, depression, anxiety and panic disorders. Common side-effects include insomnia, sexual difficulties, headaches, nausea and initial agitation.
Buspar is also used as a panic attack medication, and is a mild tranquilizer. Drowsiness, headache and dizziness are some of the side effects in certain cases.
In addition to using medication for panic attack episodes, it is essential to have a good support system. The best panic attack treatment is the timely intervention by a close and trusted friend or a family member. The patient can also use stress-relieving activities such as yoga, tai chi and individual sports to address worry and anxiety. The symptoms of panic attack are painful, unmistakable and debilitating, and new medications offer an effective means to address this issue.
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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