Panic Attacks: Is Medication Right for You?

In order to decide whether medication is right for you if you suffer from repeated and frequent panic attacks, you will have to discuss with your physician several factors connected with your affliction. Usually, patients and doctors have to consider two main options applicable for any successful treatment.

Prescription medications

The first option is medication, of course. A majority of patients suffering from panic disorder are found to be victims of either agoraphobia (literally, fear of open spaces, but actually, a severe anxiety condition in which a person avoids not only open spaces but also situations involving activities like driving, shopping, traveling, being alone or among crowds etc.) or some social phobia (by which is meant fear of failure in some important social interaction or anxiety related to social performance). Others have an anxiety disorder or depression or both, which accompany panic disorder. Depending upon the severity of panic attacks and the symptoms associated with them, the doctor will advise the course of treatment and the type of medication.

The doctor may prescribe either SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) for controlling and reducing the severity of panic attacks. Normally, it may take anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks for the medication will prove effective. After about six months, the medication may be gradually reduced and stopped, while carefully monitoring the patient’s withdrawal symptoms and relapse possibilities. The actual duration of the medical treatment will depend naturally on the individual’s speed of response to it. The specific medication selected for use by a certain patient has to have the patient’s acceptance, after clearly being told about the various side effects of the chosen antidepressant.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

The other option may be put under the term CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Although many doctors would like to recommend a treatment that allows medication to be administered along with CBT, if you do not like to suffer the side effects of medication comprising antidepressants, you may opt to undergo CBT alone. In that case, you have to be aware that the reliability of CBT without the use of any medication is quite limited. Besides, it is quite a long-drawn process, which may sometimes take several years to be really effective. This is because the patient takes time in identifying the feelings that, due to their misinterpretation, form the basis for panic attacks. The patient also has to have time enough to be properly educated about panic attacks and their prevention. This means it is imperative for the patient to understand and appreciate the nature of panic attacks and how to face the various symptoms without succumbing to their severity. This is just the cognitive part of the therapy.

The other part of CBT comprises bringing about behavioral changes. The patient has to learn proper breathing so as to prevent hyperventilation, which is a very common symptom of a panic attack. The patient has also to learn relaxation techniques that help calm the nerves. Meditation may be useful for relaxation and mental health. Physical exercise done on a regular basis will also be good. Bringing about suitable lifestyle changes is usually recommended.

You must decide in consultation with your doctor and other health care professionals whether medication is right for you.

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