Here are some drugs that can prevent or reduce panic attacks.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but examples of
drugs that have worked well for this painful disease.
Tricyclic antidepressants
These drugs are used to treat severe depression or depression
with anxiety. Some of these anti-depressants are also used to
treat obsessional disorders and panic attacks. Side effects
include a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty
urinating, postural hypotension, tachycardia, loss of sex drive,
erective failure, sensitivity to sunlight, weight gain,
sedaction, sweating, jitteriness, irritation, unusual energy and
disturbed sleep patterns. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants
are Tofranil, Sinequan, Anafranil and Effexor.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
These are a newer type of anti-depressant introduced into the US
in the 1980s beginning with Prozac. They work differently to
traditional antidepressants and by assisting the brain in
maintaining levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin which is
often found to be low in sufferers of depression, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety and panic disorders. Side
effects include nausea, insomnia, headaches, sexual difficulties
and initial agitation. Examples: Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have shown to be effective in reducing panic
attack symptoms in many cases but not in all. It can be taken as
a single dose therapy or several times a day for months or
years. Side effects include drowsiness, decreased mental
sharpness, slurred speech, clumsiness, less occupational
efficiency, sexual side effects, low moods, irritability,
agitation and increased susceptibility to the effects of
alcohol. Examples of benzodiazepines are Klonopin, Valium, Serax
and Librium.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers have proven to be helpful in controlling the
physical symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, particularly
social anxiety and are prescribed to control rapid heartbeat,
shaking, trembling and blushing. The side effects are less than
other medications but can cause light-headedness, drowsiness,
short-term memory loss, decrease in heart rate, insomnia,
diarrhea, cold extremities, depression and nightmares. Beta
Blockers include Atenolol and Propranolol.
Other drugs
Buspar is a mild tranquilizer and has been approved for use for
anxiety with mild depression, social phobias and OCD. This drug
has few side effects, headache, drowsiness and dizziness can
occur in some cases but this usually clears within a few days of
use.
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