Medication for Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can be very upsetting and frightening and many people have described them as being one of the worst things they have ever experienced. They arise from the well known ‘flight or fight’ reaction that is occurring in an inappropriate situation. Panic attacks usually last for around thirty minutes, which may not seem very long, but if you are a sufferer that is a very long time to suffer the fear, intense anxiety and discomfort that they bring. In addition individual panic attacks may happen in cycles that last for many hours. Sufferers of panic attacks typically feel anxiety constantly as they anticipate the next attack.
Many people, experiencing a panic attack for the first time think they are having a nervous breakdown or heart attack and may call the emergency services. The ‘fight or flight’ response releases adrenaline and norepinephrine into the bloodstream in preparation for the body to deal with the expected emergency and this is the cause of the numerous symptoms that arise. There may be a panicked urge to flee from the area, nausea, feelings of faintness, shortness of breath, sweating, and a fear of dying all arising from the increased level of adrenaline in the body. These symptoms themselves cause anxiety which forms a positive feedback, causing more adrenaline to be released into the bloodstream, making the symptoms worse in a positive feedback loop.
Medications for Panic Attacks
The usual medication prescribed for panic attacks is an antidepressant, usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine or paroxetine which can reduce the frequency and number of attacks and help to reduce general anxiety although they may take a few weeks to be effective. They also have a number of side effects including fatigue, constipation, nausea, migraines and a dry mouth. Benzodiazepine were often prescribed in the past and while very effective at preventing attacks have a high risk of dependency and are prescribed much less frequently nowadays. They also have some side effects including lack of concentration, decreased alertness and coordination and drowsiness.
Other Coping Methods
Many people who have panic attacks and do not want to use panic attack medication have found relief using one of the following techniques which can help to relieve the anxiety felt during an attack and stop it from escalating..
Slow abdominal breathing – breath through the nose, expanding the diaphragm then exhale slowly. This will help to correct any imbalance of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Using coping statements such as
- “I can deal with this even though it feels bad”
- “Give it time – It will pass”
- “I can’t die from a panic attack”
Conclusion
Panic attacks can be very frightening especially the first time they happen. However if you are aware of the cause and know that you are not suffering from something that is life threatening you can learn to cope.
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