Medication For Panic Attacks Is Not A Miracle Cure

Treating panic attacks is a two fold process. However this form of treatment involves a long time span with regular counseling sessions which many people are resistant too as they feel that they are being treated like mental patients.CBT works by helping the patient understand the underlying reasons of the attacks and in this way, helps the natural reduction in the frequency and intensity of these attacks. There are two causes for panic attacks - the environmental where external conditions cause fear and panic to set in and the biological where the body itself produces chemicals that increase the feelings of anxiety and panic. Medications for panic attacks are meant to combat both these causes and not just suppress the symptoms, like a head ache pill. Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need so that you are fully aware of the implications of the medications for panic attacks you are being prescribed.


Normal medically supervised medication for panic attacks consists of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).These medications increase the levels of serotonin which is low in the case of those suffering from panic attacks. Side effects include nausea, irritation, insomnia and headaches.SSRIs promote the production of these chemicals and help in reducing the intensity of the attacks and the ability to control them. It is essential that you take the medications for panic attacks exactly as prescribed. Often a patient using this form of medication will learn to confront the panic attack and be able to fight it off. This will allow the medication to be changed if needed.


In many cases benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax may be prescribed as additional medication for panic attacks to augment the effect of the SSRIs.The side effects in this case can include short term memory loss, dizziness, light headedness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentrating. However these medications tend to be addictive and use should be stopped as soon as possible. And be patient and do not expect miracles as the aim of the medication is not to provide temporary relief from the panic attacks but to attack the root cause of the problem and find either a permanent solution to prevent the attacks or at least a way to reduce the frequency and intensity and thus make them bearable.