If you are a person who has anxiety or panic attacks then you understand that panic attack medication is a way to use drugs to minimize or eliminate your anxiety symptoms. Of course we will assume you have already saw your doctor or have made arrangements to do so. The purpose of this article is to educate you on the available medications before your visit.
Benzodiazepine Medication
These drugs are commonly used for the relief of panic attack symptoms. Of course like any drug out there it does more then just one thing. It's greatest benefit for relieving panic attacks is it's ability to calm a person down. This in turn leads to minimizing or eliminating anxiety, agitation and ultimately anxiety attacks. Because they work fast they can be utilized to stop a current attack or "wave" of imminent attacks. They are not suited for long term use because they can lead to addiction or physical dependence.
SSRIs
Probably the second most prescribed drug for people suffering from anxiety and depression. Keep in mind that an above normal level of anxiety is what leads to panic attacks. These drugs help lessen anxiety and therefore panic attacks. Most doctors will use citalopram and paroxetine.
Drug Free Alternative
A relatively new therapy coined "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" (cbt) is commonly referred to as the leading non drug treatment for panic attack sufferers. The idea behind this therapy is that panic attacks are caused by a fear of panic attacks occurring. If you remove the irrational fear then there is nothing left to cause the panic attack.
Cognitive behavioral therapy recognizes this medical concept which is also called a "positive forward feedback loop". With CBT, you learn how to recognize the very early stages of your anxiety spiraling out of control.
With CBT you can modify your thinking at these early stages and apply rationality and eliminate exaggeration. Over time, your way of thinking is modified to that or a healthy person without panic.
