| Before searching for different treatments for panic | | | | recommended sessions. |
| attacks, check if any of followings sound familiar: One | | | | Medications |
| minute you are fine and the next minute you are | | | | When considering treatments for panic attacks, |
| breathing heavily coupled with an extremely pounding | | | | cognitive behavioral therapies are highly effective. In |
| heart, sweating excessively, suffocating and feeling | | | | cases when the attacks are sever and frequent it |
| just about to die. You may even feel nauseated or | | | | might be best to consider taking medications on the |
| dizzy and flushed. If you have no known medical | | | | onset to help control the panic attacks. There are |
| reason to experience these symptoms all at once, | | | | various medications available as treatment options: |
| then it is likely that you are having a panic attack. | | | | Antidepressants are effective in controlling panic |
| The attack can happen without much warning and due | | | | attacks. Top in the list are antidepressants know as |
| cause. The undue fear brought on by an attack is quite | | | | SSRIs which are called selective serotonin reuptake |
| debilitating, however, it is normal for a person to have | | | | inhibitors. SNRIs are antidepressants known as |
| one or two episodes in a lifetime. If the attacks | | | | serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. |
| become frequent it is imperative to seek medical help | | | | Antidepressants called TCAs (tricyclic) and MAOIs |
| as this could be a symptom of an anxiety syndrome | | | | (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are not recommended |
| known as panic disorder. There is no reason to worry | | | | because of their adverse and sometimes life |
| though as there are various treatments at your | | | | threatening effects. On the other hand |
| disposal. | | | | Benzodiazepines are mild sedatives that may be |
| There are two basic treatments for panic attacks: | | | | addictive if used for a long time. |
| medications and psychotherapy. Once classified as | | | | Aside from psychotherapy and medications there are |
| “stress” or “nerves”, panic attacks are | | | | some very effective, short term, treatments for panic |
| now considered as legitimate medical conditions. | | | | attacks. |
| Psychotherapy | | | | It is always a good idea to take stock of your lifestyle |
| Talk or counseling therapy is one way for you to | | | | and do your best to live a healthy and balanced life. |
| understand about your condition and how to | | | | Maintain a regular exercise regime to lessen signs of |
| effectively cope with it. Normally, cognitive behavioral | | | | panic attacks. Get enough sleep to ease stress and |
| therapy is an effective type of talk therapy for | | | | related anxiety. Do some meditation and activities that |
| individuals afflicted with this condition. Cognitive | | | | can calm you. A calmer you would relieve tension and |
| behavioral therapy or CBT teaches you to change | | | | most likely generate a sense of serenity and |
| your thinking pattern so you can eliminate situations | | | | well-being. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and coffee |
| and thoughts that could initiate an episode. An | | | | that could induce panic attacks. |
| exposure therapy might also be successful in | | | | It is always best to talk to a qualified doctor to find out |
| confronting your fears in a controlled situation. CBT | | | | what the best treatments for panic attacks are and |
| also teaches you how to talk yourself out of an attack | | | | what options will suit you best. And, of course, never |
| by putting breathing techniques and relaxation methods | | | | take any medications without first consulting your |
| into use. It is best to adhere to your therapist’s | | | | physician. |