Best medication for panic attacks?
I suffer from panic attacks, and have done since I was a toddler. It flares up once in a while and at the moment I am in a bad period which has lasted several years. The worst symptoms for me are breathlessness, dizziness and upset tummys… really severe!
I use to suffer more with a pounding heart etc which i took propranolol for but I dont find it helpful anymore- I have lowish blood pressure (99/56-103/66) so that may be why.
Does anyone know of anything they have tried and have found helpful?
Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy have been successfully used to treat panic disorders. The medications act on the central nervous system to reduce the occurence of anxiety and associated symptoms.
A commonly-used class of anti-anxiety medications is benzodiazepines, including aprolazam (Xanax). However, this class of medications is associated with dependence and addiction. Ideally, these drugs are used only on a temporary basis.
Drugs from a class of antidepressant called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly used medications for panic disorder. If these do not help, longer-term use of benzodiazepines may be considered.
Behavioral therapies that may be used in conjunction with drug therapy include relaxation techniques, pleasant mental imagery, and cognitive restructuring. Psychological counseling and therapy techniques may be helpful in addition to medications.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regularly scheduled meals may help reduce the frequency of the attacks. Caffeine and other stimulants should be reduced or eliminated.
Comments
Comment from rowdysunsetart
Time December 25, 2009 at 5:04 am
Yes, a full range B-100 vitamins daily which takes about a week to balance the nerves and eat alot of garlic for the blood pressure…and work with your mind….go to thesecret.tv and explore the site and learn how to attract what you want to you instead of this…you will be thrilled at the new life you will have…without ever having another attack…
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Comment from retox
Time December 25, 2009 at 5:23 am
You need to get to the source of the problem. Medication is not the answer – clearly, it has not worked for you. Ask your doctor for a referral to a cognititive behaviour specialist who will be able to teach you to work through your anxiety. I have suffered with anxiety for about five years and have pretty much healed myself. Usually, anxiety is just a fear of losing control – ask yourself what is it you are scared of? The symptons you describe are as a result of your anxiety. Talk to family and friends – you will be surprised how many people feel the same. Accept you will have good days and bad.
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Comment from Jonathan C
Time December 25, 2009 at 5:48 am
If you are overweight( which i’m not saying you are !) this is a massive part on it. If you eat rubbish ,your brain gets lazy and corrupted on fats and sugars. You may have a chinese or chocolate bar and feel good but it will only make you feel worse later.
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Comment from Vegas Beauty
Time December 25, 2009 at 6:19 am
Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy have been successfully used to treat panic disorders. The medications act on the central nervous system to reduce the occurence of anxiety and associated symptoms.
A commonly-used class of anti-anxiety medications is benzodiazepines, including aprolazam (Xanax). However, this class of medications is associated with dependence and addiction. Ideally, these drugs are used only on a temporary basis.
Drugs from a class of antidepressant called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly used medications for panic disorder. If these do not help, longer-term use of benzodiazepines may be considered.
Behavioral therapies that may be used in conjunction with drug therapy include relaxation techniques, pleasant mental imagery, and cognitive restructuring. Psychological counseling and therapy techniques may be helpful in addition to medications.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regularly scheduled meals may help reduce the frequency of the attacks. Caffeine and other stimulants should be reduced or eliminated.
References :
Comment from Scott U
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:01 am
1. Thought correction…quit jacking yourself up with scary stories about death and heart attacks…tell yourself that the worst thing that will happen is you will hyperventilate until you pass out, and then your brain will reset your vital signs.
2. Deep breathing.
3. Relaxation: because it’s impossible to relax and panic at the same time.
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Comment from Cherrypicker
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:49 am
Don’t know about medication but I found the following website (and audio cd) very helpful: http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk. It is a website run by Uncommon Knowledge. Good luck.
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Comment from joanned69
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:02 am
my doc gave me diazepan sorry about spelling but touch wood i haven’t needed um 4 awhile
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Comment from Sarah M
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:22 am
I have had chronic panic attacks off and on for many years. Sometimes I can manage them through self-talk and breathing techniques, but when they get REALLY bad I do take medication. In my experience Klonopin is the best panic med. Please don’t let ppl make you feel guillty if you need to take some medication. Panic disorder is a recogized medical condition, just like diabetes – if you need to take Klonopin that is the same as a diabetic person taking insulin. In time you can try other techniques, but if the situation is urgent then get the right meds and get the situation under control. Please put your health and happiness first – nobody who has not had a true, chronic panic attack understands how bad they are or how much they can interfere with day to day living. I have also tried Valium, Xanax and Paxil and much prefer Klonopin. Good luck – things will get better.
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Comment from Kate M
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:47 am
Try Rivotril (clonazepam), comes in normal pills and in sublingual pills for very quick action .
Good luck!!
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My own experience.
Comment from stoner102
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:53 am
i agree with kate m i take klonopin [clonazepam(called klonopin the usa and rivotril elsewhere)]
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Comment from Medusa
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:43 am
exercise more thats helps to get rid of stress a lot of anxiety is the fight or flight thing so exercise more and try to take to slow i have these too at times but am much better ((hugs))
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