Managing Panic Disorder With Medication

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, which can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom or loss of control. 

If you are dealing with signs of panic disorder or are experiencing panic attacks, watch this video for guidance on how to deal with a panic attack? 

Living with panic disorder can be a daily struggle. Symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and overwhelming sense of fear can make even simple tasks seem overwhelming. If you are living with panic disorder, it's important to know that you are not alone, and that there are effective treatments available. 

It’s important to understand that medication is just one approach to managing panic disorders. While medication can be an effective treatment for many people, it's not the only solution, and it may not work for everyone. In addition to medication, therapy, self-care, and lifestyle changes are often important components of managing panic disorder. However, for some individuals, medication can be a valuable tool that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, and improve overall quality of life.

What Type of Medication Can Help in Managing Panic Disorder?

There are several types of medication that can be effective for managing panic disorder. The most common classes of medication used for panic disorder are antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.

To learn more about psychiatric medication and how they work, read Psychiatric Medication: Everything You Need to Know 

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressants for panic disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and want to learn more about medication for managing general anxiety, read Which Anxiety Medication Is Right For Me? 

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that is sometimes prescribed for the short-term management of panic disorder symptoms. These medications work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to slow down the activity of the brain and reduce anxiety. While benzodiazepines can be effective for reducing the intensity of panic attacks, they can be habit-forming and should only be used under close medical supervision.

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also be effective for managing the physical symptoms of panic disorder, such as racing heart and trembling. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, which can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.

If you are considering medication as a treatment option for panic disorder, it's important to work closely with a healthcare provider who has experience treating anxiety disorders. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right medication and dosage for your individual needs, and monitor your progress to make sure the medication is working effectively and safely.

In addition to medication, there are several self-care strategies that can be helpful for managing panic disorder. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can all help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, can also be helpful for managing panic disorder symptoms. For expert-curated activities, tools, and resources for practising self-care, download the Amaha app.