Medications

Benzodiazepines type medicine such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan are prescription drugs meant to help a patient deal with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). They are used as a mean to provide short term relief.

For long term treatment, the patient may be given Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. In severe cases, patients may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important that the patient use these forms of drugs occasionally and only when needed because they can impede the body’s natural system of coping with panic attacks.

Therapy and Counselling

It is during therapy sessions that the patient acquires several useful relaxation techniques that he can use during his episode. Through counselling, he is also advised to reiterate affirmations and change the way he thinks. The therapist will also look into ways where he can change his lifestyle. The patient will also learn how to project his thoughts such that they are positive and rationalised. This will help him tackle his fears.

Psychotherapy helps to familiarise the patient with the condition through a thorough explanation of its causes and symptoms. This allows him to deal with panic attacks in a more prepared manner. The patient can also consider taking up yoga or meditation sessions to help him restore calmness in his mind. These sessions also help to eliminate unnecessary stress. He can also find the support and understanding he needs in support groups.

Natural Remedies

Eons ago; our ancestors have discovered many medicinal herbs that assist one in coping with anxiety. These herbal remedies are available in the form of warm tea or tincture. They can help one sleep better as well as relax his mood.

* St. John’s Wort
* Kava
* Valerian
* Skullcap
* Passionflower
* Ginkgo biloba
* Catnip – yes, catnip tea

Health supplements and vitamins can be taken if one is determined to attain mental wellness. Popping Bacopin can help to bring down one’s anxiety level. Vitamin B-12 helps with the release of essential neurotransmitters into the brain too. Chamomile is also unmatched when it comes to its effects to relieving stress. It is known to have a tranquilizing effect and it inhibits the release of stress causing chemicals.

Best of the Rest

There are other methods that have become eminent over the years. These holistic methods focus on overall health rather than targeting and treating an individual symptom. Hypnosis has proven to be effective in its ability to help in thoughts diversion; shifting one’s attentions on his fears towards positive and rational thoughts. Exercising doubles up as an antidepressant and sleep-inducer, and is often the most productive way one can release suppressed anger.

Another technique that is fast becoming popular is the stimulation of one’s brain to trigger endorphins. They are natural mood enhancers that are produced when one is exercising or having an intense work out. Endorphins are also released after sex. Acupuncture sessions restore one’s calmness through the stimulation of endorphins.

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In controlling the symptoms of panic attacks and in treating panic disorders, various types of medications may be used.  Using medications is linked to fewer, less frequent, shorter and less intense panic attacks.  An individual may also overcome or control his or her anxiety over the possible recurrence of panic attacks through taking medications.

Several therapy medications now available in the market have been proven to be effective namely, Praxil, Zoloft and Prozac.  The scientific classification used to refer to these medications is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI.  The antidepressant functions of SSRI have been widely recognized.  Messages are transmitted between nerves in the brain through neurotransmitters.  When a person takes this medication, the chemicals in the medication affect the process of transmitting neural messages.  Nerves absorb any neurotransmitters that have been released by other nerves in the brain.  The releasing nerves also implement a reuptake of the neurotransmitters that have not been absorbed by any other nerve.

Anafranil, Tofranil, Norpramin and other tri-cyclic antidepressants or TCA have been used to treat panic disorders before the discovery and circulation of SSRI.  SSRI and TCA are both effective although individuals’ tolerance threshold of these two types of medications may vary.  Studies also support that between the two types, SSRI is safer.  Thus, more individuals prefer taking SSRI than TCA.  However, whether it is for TCA or for SSRI, it is important that such medications be taken under the monitoring and regulation of a physician.

Nevertheless, side effects are evident among all medications.  All medications have side effects which can be dangerous.  Taking these medications without consulting a physician is highly discouraged.  Pregnant women are also prohibited to take these medications because of their potential harmful effects to the baby.

Individuals with panic disorders may also take some of the drugs under the benzodiazepine classification approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA.  Individuals suffering from panic attacks can take Valium, Ativan, Xanax and others.  Individuals who take these drugs are reported to feel less anxious and tensed.  Daily intake is applicable for SSRI but benzodiazepine drugs must be taken only when the symptoms arise.

If an individual has been taking medications for 6 to 8 weeks, a significant improvement in his or her level of anxiety and tension is to be expected.  Otherwise, the doctor may resort to increasing the dosage prescribed.  Additional drugs may also be recommended.  A minimum one year of medication intake is recommended but may be extended if a relapse occurs.  An improvement in the condition may also be an indication that the dosage may already be gradually decreased.

Alex J Schneider is an avid panic attacks researcher and expert. For more in depth information on panic attack medication, visit www.PanicAttacksSolutions.com

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