A Guide to Panic Attack Medication

Panic and anxiety attacks are behavioral conditions, and are not mental illnesses. Most of the psychologists and psychiatrists prescribe the panic attack medication to treat the habit. Doctors use the panic attack medication to treat the symptoms, as these are the only possible quick fix available, however, these medications are not the answer in the long run. Valium is the most commonly used panic attack medication, but most people feel that this drug has many unpleasant side-effects.

Types of Panic Attack Medications

Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat the severe depression, panic attacks, obsession disorders and depression with anxiety. Some of the side-effects associated with these medications are constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, postural hypotension, difficulty urinating, loss of sex drive, tachycardia, blurred vision, erective failure, sedaction, sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, weight gain, irritation, jitteriness, disturbed sleep patterns and unusual energy.


Other panic attack medications are Benzodiazepines, and these medicines are quite effective in treating the panic attack symptoms, but not in all cases. These medications are usually taken several times a day, or as a single dose therapy, and some of the most common side-effects include reduced mental sharpness, drowsiness, clumsiness, slurred speech, sexual side effect, less occupational efficiency, agitation, irritability and increased susceptibility to effects of alcohol. Some of the common benzodiazepines are Valium, Klonopin, Librium and Serax.

Beta blockers are also commonly used panic attack medications and are helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of the panic attacks and anxiety. The common side-effects include light-headedness, short-term memory loss, drowsiness, insomnia, decrease in heart rate, cold extremities, diarrhea, nightmares and depression. Propranolol and Atenolol are the common Beta blockers.


Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs are also used as panic attack medications, and they work differently as compared to traditional anti-depressants. These medications assist the brain to maintain the neurotransmitter serotonin level, which is found low in the sufferers of OCD, depression and anxiety and panic disorders. Common side-effects include insomnia, sexual difficulties, headaches, nausea and initial agitation.


Buspar is also used as the panic attack medication, and is a mild tranquilizer. Drowsiness, headache and dizziness are some of the side effects in certain cases.


In addition to using medication for panic attack episodes, it is essential to have a good support system. The best panic attack treatment is the timely intervention by a close and trusted friend or a family member. The patient can also use few stress-relieving activities such as yoga, tai chi and individual spots to address the worry and anxiety. The symptoms of panic attack are painful, unmistakable and debilitating, and new medications offer the effective means to address this issue.