Three Common Panic Attack Medications
When trying to live with panic attack symptoms, your life can almost taken over. Living in fear of a panic attack can be enough to throw you into another full on attack. Almost a catch 22... When it comes to treating a panic attack, some medications have been known to significantly reduce symptoms, enabling people to continue living a life that is not consumed with the fearful unknown. The following provides information about some of the most effective medications available to consumers.
1. Alprazolam (al-PRAZ-zo-lam)
This medication is one of the common prescriptions given for general anxiety treatment. It is a benzodiazepine, which is used to treat short term panic attack symptoms in many people. This drug is not meant to treat ongoing and daily forms of panic attacks, but is very useful to people who periodically encounter symptoms.
2. Azapirones (a-zah-PIE-ronz)
Azapirones is a medicine that works on the central nervous system in relieving the many symptoms of anxiety. This drug is found in many antidepressants and is the reason many people who normally would not take antidepressants do, because of their panic attack symptoms. It is used to calm the nervous system, putting it somewhat into sleep mode, as to keep their sirens from blowing when a panic attack sets in.
3. Benzodiazepines (ben-zo-die-AZ-a-peens)
This is a tranquil medication, used to help fight anxiety and insomnia. The drug is quite potent, and a fear of addiction is warranted for both physicians and patients. In extreme cases of anxiety, this is the medication most commonly used. It's also a drug that can significantly alter your mood or personality, especially if not used properly or when used for extended periods of time.
Which Medication to Use?
The severity of the panic attack symptoms you have, will largely determine which medication a physician will prescribe for you. It is important to keep in mind that you should not determine which medications to use on your own. Get help from a doctor. Using other people's medications is never a good idea. It may help your symptoms at the time, but in the end you still need a solution for long term results. Panic attack treatment is not simple. As medications tend to alter our body structure when used for long periods of time, don't be surprised if your doctor prescribes more than one medication before finding the one that will work for you. Using the least amount of medication to control your panic attack symptoms is the most beneficial for you, so physicians will start with low dosages or light medication and work their way up from there.