Imipramine and clomipramine are considered first-line treatment options for panic disorder.
Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is considered an effective first choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope with them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Panic disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”), medication, or both. Speak with a health care provider about the best treatment for you.
Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one. A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident. Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby. Smoking or excessive caffeine intake.
Left untreated, panic disorder can become a very debilitating and isolating illness. It can also increase your risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as agoraphobia or other phobias.
Fortunately, you can overcome panic disorder without medication, but don't be reluctant to try it if your symptoms are severe enough.
“Panic disorder is definitely diagnosable, and treatable — people can usually be cured in four to eight weeks with either antidepressant medication or behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two.”
Hydroxyzine is a fast-acting drug that is very effective in treating anxiety temporarily. It sometimes has the side effect of sedation, but this wears off the longer you take it. Hydroxyzine works by blocking the histamine receptor.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is often recommended as a first-line treatment for panic disorder. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best known and most researched therapy for panic disorder, other psychotherapy methods are available too.
For Panic Disorder, Escitalopram and Sertraline Provide Greatest Benefit with Fewest Risks. In a meta-analysis, other agents also were effective but had more adverse effects.
Now established to be effective in treating panic disorder, SSRIs include medications such as Prozac (Fluoxetine), Paxil (Paroxetine), Celexa (Citalopram), Lexapro (Escitalopram), Luvox (Fluvoxamine), and Zoloft (Sertraline).
Medications can help alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks and reduce the risk of a future attack. Examples include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. All medications can cause side effects, and a person must discuss these with a doctor before taking a drug.
Take deep breaths
Deep breathing can help bring a panic attack under control. Panic attacks can cause rapid breathing, and chest tightness can make the breaths shallow. This type of breathing can make feelings of anxiety and tension worse. Instead, try to breathe slowly and deeply, concentrating on each breath.
Unlike anxiety, which often has clear triggers, panic attacks occur suddenly and unexpectedly and typically only last for a few minutes. Those who experience panic attacks have reported lightheadedness, chest pain, hot flashes, chills, and stomach discomfort.
In some cases, panic attacks are linked to an underlying mental health condition, such as: panic disorder. agoraphobia or other phobias. obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
While symptoms vary from person to person, they can include a pounding heart, shortness of breath, light-headedness, sweating, trembling, nausea, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, and an overwhelming sense of impending doom.
Results: Older patients reported fewer panic symptoms, less anxiety and arousal, less severe PD, lower levels of depression, and higher levels of functioning.
People with anxiety disorders often feel that their concerns are not taken seriously or that "it's all in their heads." This minimizes their pain and discomfort, and leaves psychiatric and associated medical conditions unaddressed. It should be noted that the statement "it's all in your head" is not entirely wrong.
As with other mental illnesses, panic disorder is believed to be caused by both chemical imbalances in the brain and genetic predisposition. Panic disorder can afflict people after age 18, irrespective of race or gender.