A Guide to Best Medication for Panic Attack

The reasons of panic or anxiety attacks are still not clear, and many experts feel that there could be genetic cause associated, and very often, people related by blood share this disorder. The best treatment for panic attacks is the combination of behavioral therapy, medication and psychotherapy.

Some of the Best Medications for Panic Attack

Tricyclic antidepressants are considered one of the best medications for panic attacks, and these drugs are used to treat the panic attacks and obsessional disorders in addition to anxiety and depression. Some of the common side-effects of these medications include constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, postural hypotension, loss of sex drive, tachycardia, weight gain, sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, sedaction, irritation, jitterness, disturbed sleep patterns and unusual energy. Tofranil, Anafranil and Sinequan are some of the common antidepressants.

One of the best medications for panic attacks are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are comparatively newer type of anti-depressants, and they work by assisting the brain to maintain the neurotransmitter serotonin levels, which are found low in people suffering from panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Some of the most common side effects include insomnia, nausea, sexual difficulties, headaches and initial agitation. Zolosoft, Paxil, and Prozac are common SSRIs. Benzodiazepines are also considered one of the best medications for panic attack, however these have not shown good results in all cases. These medications can be taken several times for months or years, or can be taken as a single dose therapy. Decreased mental sharpness, drowsiness, clumsiness, slurred speech, sexual side effect, less occupational efficiency, agitation, low moots, irritability and increased susceptibility to the effects of alcohol are common side effects.

Beta blockers such as Propranolol and Atenolol are yet another powerful and one of the best medications for panic attack, and have been helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of panic and anxiety attacks. These are prescribed to control the rapid heartbeat, blushing, trembling and shaking. Side effects include decreased mental sharpness, short term memory loss, light-headedness, decrease in heart rate, drowsiness, diarrhea, depression, cold extremities and nightmare.

Buspare is a approved tranquilizer to treat panic disorder, social phobias, mild depression and OCD, and is also considered one of the best medications for panic attack. Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness can occur for initial few days. In addition to choosing the best medications for panic attack, it is essential to work in close association with the doctor, and take the regular prescribed medication in correct dosage. In case of any conditional or behavioral changes, do let your doctor know. Panic attack medication side effects are usually temporary, and it is important to let your doctor know about them.