Will Drugs Cure Panic Attacks?

In this article, you will learn about the most common medications being prescribed to treat anxiety disorders today. You'll discover how they are used to treat panic attacks and find out about some of their side effects. By the end of the article you'll understand the place that medications may have in your recovery. You may want to follow the link provided at the end to find out how to end your panic and anxiety for good.

There are two main classes of drugs used to treat anxiety conditions: Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant medications.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Description
Drugs in this class are commonly called tranquilizers or benzodiazepines.

Some of the most common are listed here by brand name and then generic name*:

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)

How They Work

These drugs calm you down by slowing the central nervous system. They work quickly, taking effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Because they are fast acting, they can be effective in providing short-term, temporary relief from panic attacks. Some patients have found relief just knowing that they have the option to take the medication if a panic attack ever strikes.

Side Effects

Anti-Anxiety medications can build up in your system over time and have serious side effects:

• Drowsiness, clumsiness, slurred speech, confusion, depression, dizziness, impaired thinking, memory loss, nausea, blurred vision

They are physically addictive and will cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. These drugs can also create a mental dependence that makes it difficult to stop taking them.

Because of these side effects the World Council on Anxiety does not recommend the use of these drugs for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from Anti-Anxiety Medications can be severe. Here are just a few of the symptoms:

• Head and muscle aches, nausea, irritability, rage, agoraphobia, anxiety, confusion, and impotence.

Anti-Depressant Medications

How They Work

Although they are called, Anti-Depressants, these drugs have sedative qualities and are not as addictive as benzodiazepines. For these reasons they are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders as well as depression.

Depression is thought to be caused by low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. This chemical is responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. There are various anti-depressant medications but they all function by preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin. All antidepressants are slow acting and take 2-4 weeks to start working.

The newest anti-depressant drugs are called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and include the following:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Fluvoxamin (Luvox)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Side Effects

• Agitation, nervousness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, impotence, suicidal behavior, sleepiness, weight gain, dizziness

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Anxiety, depression, irritability, flu-like symptoms, difficulty sleeping.

Other Medications

Buspirone (BuSpar)

This is a newer drug that can be prescribed for anxiety. It functions much the same as the anti-depressant medications with similar (but less severe) side effects.

Beta Blockers

These medications are normally used to treat high blood pressure but can be prescribed for patients to reduce anxiety before a particularly stressful event. They block the 'fight-or-flight hormone, norepinephrine, and reduce physical anxiety symptoms including rapid heart rate, dizziness, sweating, and shaking. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Conclusion

Medications currently used to treat anxiety all have one thing in common: They are not a cure and they do not address your underlying condition. Symptoms will return, sometimes worse than before, after you stop taking the drug.

Depending on the severity of your condition, it may make sense to include medication as part of your recovery plan. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor and ultimately decide for yourself.

Permanent recovery from anxiety is accomplished through professional programs that help you change your thoughts, your lifestyle, and provide support along the way.

*Once a medication is approved by the government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the public when it comes to drugs (the Food & Drug Administration - FDA - in the US) it is given a generic or official name and a proprietary or brand name.