What medication and drugs are best for panic attacks?
Drugs often prescribed for panic attacks include Benzodiazepines and Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors. (Commonly called SSRI’s).
Benzodiazepines are tranquilisers which work by increasing the efficiency of GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), a neurotransmitter which calms down excitory responses causing inhibition and calmness. They can have side effects and can be addictive or habit forming. That said, if they are used correctly (as prescribed by your doctor) they are usually very safe. One major problem is that panic attack sufferers can build up a tolerance to them, so they are less effective. The major advantage of benzodiazepines for panic attacks is that they work fairly fast, and can therefore be taken on an as needed basis.
SSRI’s work by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Increasing the levels of Serotonin leads to an improvement of mood and a lessening or even cessation of panic attacks. There are many kinds of SSRI’s and they don’t all work for everyone. Some people find the side effects are too much, others find they are not effective. Some other people find them very effective. The major drawbacks are that they take at least two weeks to become effective and must be taken every day. Also they should be withdrawn slowly at the end of treatment.
Remember that drugs treat symptoms and not causes, and while under drug therapy it is a good idea to try and treat the cause. For visit the treatments that work for panic attacks page.
