Top Medication for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder. Popular Panic Attack Medication: Xanax, Klonopin & Ativan Reviewed.

What is a Panic Attack?

Panic disorder is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks accompanied by one of the following:

• Constant worry about having more panic attacks and the bad things that might happen if they do.
• Changes in behavior because of panic attacks, such as staying away from places where they happened.

There is a chance that someone does not have panic disorder even if they have had one panic attack. People are said to have panic disorder when these sudden panic attacks happen a lot and make it hard for them to go about their daily lives.

What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the authoritative guide on mental health conditions and their associated symptoms, a panic attack typically involves a minimum of four of the following symptoms:

• Rapid or pounding heart rate.
• Excessive sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Breathlessness.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or abdominal pain.
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• The sensation of being too hot or too cold.
• Numbness or tingling sensations.
• Fear of losing control or dying.
• Experiencing detachment from oneself.

Panic attacks can manifest differently for each individual, with some experiencing a subset of these symptoms or additional sensations not listed here. If you believe you’ve had a panic attack, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider and provide a detailed description of your experience.

What is the Best Medication for Panic Attacks?

There are three main types of drugs that the FDA has allowed for panic disorder medication: benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first choice when it comes to treating panic disorder with medicine. These drugs raise the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that affects how we feel. The exact link between serotonin and anxiety illnesses is not fully understood, but SSRIs help people with panic disorder feel better. Here are the three SSRIs that the FDA has cleared for panic disorder:

1. Fluoxetine (Prozac).
2. Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).
3. Sertraline (Zoloft).

Healthcare providers may also prescribe other SSRIs off-label for panic disorder treatment, as they are considered similarly effective for this condition.

SNRIs

Another type of drug called SNRIs works like SSRIs, but it affects more neurons. Along with serotonin, SNRIs raise the brain’s norepinephrine levels, another neurotransmitter linked to nervousness. Extended-release (ER) venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is the only SNRI that the FDA has cleared for panic disorder. Other SNRIs have not been studied as much for treating panic disorder, but venlafaxine is allowed for this use.

Benzodiazepines as Fast Acting Medication for Panic Attacks

Benzos are used to treat several conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and seizure disorders. These drugs calm down the central nervous system. The FDA has cleared two benzodiazepines for panic disorder: alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). Because they are fast acting medication for panic attacks, they are most often used to treat ongoing panic attacks. Of course, they shouldn’t be used for too long—no more than two to four weeks at most—because they can make you physically dependent on them. Most of the time, SSRIs are the best long-term treatment for panic condition.

Learn More:

• High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment. What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?
• Learn the Different Types of Anxiety. 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders. Symptoms and Medications for the Different Types of Anxiety.
• Performance Anxiety, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Male Performance Anxiety Solutions.
• Wellbutrin for Anxiety. What You Need to Know. Does Wellbutrin Help with Anxiety?
• Prozac vs Zoloft, What’s the Difference for my Anxiety? Difference Between Zoloft and Prozac. Switching From Prozac to Zoloft.
• Determine the Best Time of Day to Take Zoloft for Anxiety. How Long Does It Take for Zoloft to Work?
• Quick & Easy 3-Minute High-Functioning Anxiety Test

Top 10 Treatment Options for Panic Attack Medications

Beyond medication, there are alternative treatment options to consider for managing panic attacks and panic disorder. While these may not be standalone treatments, they can complement conventional approaches. Here are some alternative options:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is one of the most effective non-medication treatments for panic disorder.
2. Exposure Therapy: CBT involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations, objects, or thoughts. The goal is to reduce anxiety and avoidance behaviors associated with panic attacks.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices and meditation techniques can help individuals manage stress and anxiety. They focus on being present in the moment and developing relaxation skills.
4. Yoga and Tai Chi: These mind-body practices combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. They can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
5. Herbal Supplements: Some individuals explore using herbal remedies like kava, valerian root, or chamomile for anxiety relief. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, as they may interact with medications.
6. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing techniques can help manage anxiety and reduce the severity of panic attacks.
7. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Some people find acupuncture helpful for anxiety reduction.
8. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications: A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can significantly impact anxiety and panic disorder symptoms.
9. Biofeedback: This technique helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological processes such as heart rate and muscle tension.
10. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Scents like lavender and chamomile are commonly associated with anxiety reduction.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are two classes of medications that have been used in the treatment of panic disorder and panic attacks. However, they are typically considered second or third-line therapies due to the availability of newer medications with fewer side effects.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of medications that work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain. This increase in neurotransmitters plays a role in mood regulation. Some commonly used TCAs for panic disorder include imipramine, clomipramine (Anafranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

TCAs have shown effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks in some patients. However, they come with a range of potential side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness or insomnia, weight changes, and sexual dysfunction. Due to their side effect profile and overdose risk, TCAs are typically considered when other treatment options have not been effective.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) work by blocking the activity of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. This inhibition leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, helping regulate mood. Phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are two common MAOIs used for panic disorder.

MAOIs are effective in reducing panic attacks and anxiety symptoms in some individuals. However, they come with unique dietary restrictions and the potential for severe interactions with certain foods and medications. Dizziness, insomnia, weight changes, and dry mouth are common side effects. MAOIs are typically reserved for individuals who have not responded to other medications and require strict monitoring due to potential complications.