Panic Disorder Medications


Panic disorder medications may be necessary if the sufferer can not control their anxiety or if they want support when they are beginning therapy.

SSRIs - Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs, are powerful medications which might be used in stopping panic attacks. While these medications need to be taken daily, they can be highly effective in helping those with social anxiety and panic disorders. By increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, the person taking the pills will feel happier and more in control of their panic. These medications may be taken for a few months to help a person regain control of their panic and then stopped completely.

Sedatives - Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin

When you just need a medication to help you through infrequent panic attacks, having a sedative on hand might be the best choice for you. These are quick acting medications which will help to relax the body and make the person feel more in control. Often, these medications are used in situations when other medications aren't working as well as the person would like. However, these medications can be addictive, so if the patient is taking more than a few a week, it may be necessary for them to consider daily medication therapies.

Anti-Depressants - Marlpan, Effexor, Tofranil, etc.

For those with more severe panic attacks, anti-depressants may be required. These medications are used in the long term to help stabilize the mood as well as to decrease overall anxiety. The medications do require some time to be effective and in some cases the panic attacks can become worse before they start getting better.

Natural Anxiety Helpers

Others might like to try some natural anxiety relievers before they try the panic disorder medications from a doctor. There are a variety of homeopathic remedies which might be helpful, though they are specifically tailored to certain reactions, so you would need to talk with a homeopathic practitioner to get the best remedy for yourself. Some flower essences have also been helpful in treated panic once it begins, so those are an option too. Taking Kava or Valerian have also been shown to act as mild sedatives.

No matter what panic disorder medications you use, you might need to try more than one before you find the one that works for you. Though anxiety attacks can be scary, they are manageable.