Panic Attack &
Anxiety Medication
If you are considering an anxiety medication to help with your panic attacks, there are many options available to you.
Remember, if you find that one medication is not working for you, be willing to try another. Each drug works differently for each person, so it may take several tries before you find the one that will be best for you.
Antidepressants
"Prescribe an antidepressant for anxiety? But I'm not depressed, I'm anxious."
Many people are confused when their doctor prescribes them an antidepressant when they are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, many of the common antidepressants are also effective for treating anxiety.
There are several important points to remember when taking an antidepressant. First, these medication can take up to 4-8 weeks before they are fully effective, so you must be patient when you don't feel better right away.
Second, you cannot stop taking antidepressants abruptly. This can cause serious side effects. If you decide you don't want to take them anymore, you need to talk to your health practictioner to develop a gradual plan to wean off them.
These are the most common antidepressants used for treating anxiety:
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Anti Anxiety Medication
The anti anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) are often a first line defense for doctors to prescribe for people suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorders. They are fast acting, can be used short-term, and help with the physical symptoms of anxiety.
However, the biggest drawback is that their use can lead to tolerance and dependence.
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- Ambien (zolpidem)
Medication Guidelines
When you are prescribed a medication to help you cope with your anxiety, it is important to ask several questions of your health care professional.
- What are the possible side effects?
- How long will it take before I see improvements?
- Are there any interactions I need to be aware of? Foods,
drinks, over-the-counter medications, supplements, etc.?
- How should I take this medication? Morning or night? With food or on empty stomach?
It is important to keep any follow-up appointments you have. Your prescribing physician needs to know how you are doing and what, if any, side effects you are having.
