Somewhere around three million people in America suffer from panic attacks or panic disorder. Panic attacks can be brought on by hereditary conditions, stress, or hypochondriac-like behavior -- in short: worrying too much about things beyond our control.
The most popular treatment options for panic are cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercises, and (sometimes) anti-anxiety medications. For some people, a blend of both of these options may be most successful long-term treatment, though others get more out of using alternative approaches such as visualization, yoga or meditation techniques.
It is important to remember that the above options are not the only treatments for panic attacks; there are many alternatives besides the usual prescription drug treatments. And for many people, these represent a healthier and more effective approach to dealing with panic and anxiety issues.
But for the moment will concentrate on a few of the most common medical treatments for panic attacks:
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are anti-hypertensive drugs that can often control symptoms of anxiety and panic, like rapid heartbeat or trembling. Beta blockers are at times used by athletes to maximize performance and artists to combat the effects of stage fright. Nardil, Inderal and Tenormin are common examples of this class of drugs.
Like all medications, Beta Blockers carry the potential for unwanted side effects -- there use should be monitored carefully by a physician.
Tricyclic Antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOI]
These are robust antidepressants utilized in some cases of clinical depression or obsessive behaviors. They are also prescribed at times for panic attacks and other mood disorders. A few examples of MAOI drugs include Effexor, Elavil and Doxepin. These medications are considered a bit "old school" these days, and are not prescribed as frequently as they once were. This is in part because SSRI's have become more popular to treat anxiety, panic and depression (see below).
Benzodiazepines
You'll probably recognize this class of drug as Valium, or maybe Xanax or Ativan. Generally taken for tension, insomnia and anxiousness, these particular medicines are from time to time employed to cope with panic attack symptoms. Careful attention has to be taken, however, as these kinds of drugs can actually lead to anxiousness in some patients, as opposed to treating it.
They also carry strong warnings of potential dependency, and some experts now recognize that "Benzos" can cause protracted withdrawal symptoms that can last for months, or in some case, even years after discontinuing the drugs.
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors [SSRI]
They're the more modern and most well-known antidepressants in the industry these days. SSRI's perform by conserving quantities of serotonin within the brain. Although these can be effective in helping folks with panic attacks, they are less useful as a long-term cure. They also carry the risk of unwanted side effects, ranging from weight gain to sexual dysfunction. A few examples of SSRI's are Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Other Panic Attack Treatments
Though many doctors commonly prescribe tranquilizers, SSRI's or anti-convulsants for panic attacks, others prefer to use vitamins, natural supplements and amino acids to control anxiety and panic.
There's no a single supplement, herb or vitamin that works best for everyone -- it is only through consultation with your doctor, and some trial and error, that you can determine which panic attack treatment will be most successful in your case.
Unfortunately, it can be a lengthy process to find a panic attack remedy that is effective and will allow the sufferer to lead a regular life once more, but in the end it is absolutely worth it.
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