Panic Attack Medication - Benefits vs. The Side Effects?

Controlling panic attack with medication is very effective however, some consider this as a quick fix method and the underlying problem isn't being addressed. However, medication used in conjunction with counselling and certain relaxation exercises can help a sufferer regain control of their life without living in fear of another attack occurring.

Shortlist Of Panic Attack Medications

There are many forms of medication available to panic attack sufferers; some mild, others more extreme. Beta blockers are used to control the physical symptoms and can be effective for some of the more recognized symptoms such as trembling, shaking and rapid heartbeat.

Benzodiazepines are tranquilizing in their effect. The effects of taking these drugs can be quite dramatic and there is a fear of addictiveness which is a concern to patients. This medication is generally used for more extreme cases of anxiety and panic disorder and the length of time required to take them can vary from short to long term, meaning several years.

Antidepressant drugs form a group including Imipramine, Amitriptyline and Venlafaxine and are used to treat associated depression with anxiety and panic attack. They have also been useful in the treatment of patients suffering from obsessive disorders. These tricyclic medications act by blocking the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin making them more available to act on certain brain receptors.

Counselling

Medications are considered a fix for the symptoms of panic disorder however, getting to the cause of the underlying problem is best achieved through counselling. A popular form of counselling is Cognitive-behavioural therapy and it's aim is to modify certain thoughts and behaviour patterns to control the symptoms.

An example of this type of treatment involves working with a therapist and basically predicting when a panic attack is going to occur. How does this help you? The idea is you will learn of ways to deal or respond to a panic attack which will help eliminate the fear of having another attack. Your therapist will introduce you to effective exercises designed to identify your destructive or fearful thought patterns and alter them.

The process can usually be a long and involved one and eventually, when a patient is confident of controlling their attacks, they are introduced to controlled situations or areas where they have experienced or had cause to experience panic attacks in the past.

It's Your Move

Panic attack sufferers often live with their disorder in silence and can withdraw socially from their environment. There is a stigma of mental illness attached to panic and anxiety disorder which may be a barrier preventing many from seeking help. If you are in this category, then taking the first step in seeking help can get you back on the path to controlling your life and living free of panic attack.