Effective Long Term Medications for Anxiety and Panic Attack Disorders
If you have ever suffered from a panic attack, you are probably quite familiar with the symptoms of this condition. Chest pain and pressure, a feeling like you are going to choke and profuse sweating are just some of the signs. Others include dizziness, shaking and nausea. These symptoms can come on once in a great while or they can be a frequent occurrence in your life. If your panic attacks are getting in the way of your daily activities, you may be seeking a treatment plan that will effectively keep them at bay. The good news is that there are many long term medications for anxiety and panic attacks that can be quite effective when they are taken properly.
Antidepressants for Panic Attacks
The most common type of long term medications for anxiety and panic attacks are antidepressants. The antidepressants that are used for this condition fall under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications come with commercial names like Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. In a majority of cases, SSRIs will work effectively as long term medications for anxiety and panic attacks, particularly if they are combined with a specialized form of counseling known as cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of counseling focuses on modifying thinking and behavior patterns to reduce the number of panic attacks that a person will experience.
Sometimes, a short term medication called a benzodiazepine will also be used with the antidepressant for a better result. These medications are known by commercial names like Valium and Xanax, and are most often used for a short period of time to help control symptoms. However, there are instances where they are prescribed as long term medications for anxiety and panic attacks, along with antidepressants and counseling. If the above antidepressants do not work effectively, there is also the option of switching to a different type of antidepressant that might see better results.
Many people will stop taking their medication when their panic attacks are reduced, thinking they are "cured" of their condition. Since there really is no cure for this condition, it is usually necessary to find long term medications for anxiety and panic attacks that will keep the symptoms at bay. If you are not experiencing the attacks while on your medication, it probably means that the current prescription is working and you should continue to take it as prescribed. However, the ability to control anxiety and panic attacks through the appropriate medication and counseling is good news indeed to the many folks who find life interrupted because of this challenging condition. If you are suffering from panic attacks, talk to your doctor about your options in medication. Help is on the way.
