Friday, June 5, 2009

What Drugs Are Prescribed For Panic Attacks?

By James Redder

If you suffer from panic or anxiety attacks then panic attack medication is one way of eliminating or minimizing your symptoms. Of course you should see a doctor if you are suffering from this malady. Before you see your doctor you should be aware of the medication available to treat your condition.

Benzodiazepine (BENZO) Drugs

These drugs are commonly used for the relief of panic attack symptoms. Of course like any drug out there it does more then just one thing. It's greatest benefit for relieving panic attacks is it's ability to calm a person down. This in turn leads to minimizing or eliminating anxiety, agitation and ultimately anxiety attacks. Because they work fast they can be utilized to stop a current attack or "wave" of imminent attacks. They are not suited for long term use because they can lead to addiction or physical dependence.

SSRIs

SSRIs are a modern and widely prescribed drug for people with depression and anxiety. Because anxiety is what actually causes panic attacks to occur, these drugs are quite helpful. The most commonly prescribed ones are paroxetine and citalopram.

Drug Free Alternative

A recent newcomer to dealing with anxiety attacks Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the leading non medication alternative for dealing with panic attacks. The main intent behind this form of treatment is that panic attacks themselves are caused by thinking about the fear of panic attacks. By removing the irrational thought in the first place you then stop the attack from happening.

This medical concept is known as a "positive forward feedback loop". CBT utilizes this by having you identify the what the triggers of your panic attacks are. Once you know what they are then you can identify them when they start and then minimize or eliminate them. If you eliminate the cause then you eliminate the effect as well right?

This describes the main organizing principle behind CBT when it proves to be effective. That is it gives you a framework to identify the starting stages of an imminent panic attack so that you can apply a rational though process to it. If done enough times it will become habitual. In time by lowering your exaggerated effect to anxiety you will start to think like a person who does not suffer from panic attacks.

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