Several present day drugs can be used in the treatment of Panic Disorder. Aside from the fact that they only temporarily alleviate the symptoms and don’t repress the disorder, several of them can affect patients negatively, and are not suitable for all people. This article gives some basic information on drugs that are known to be helpful.
Benzodiazepines – Referred to as Valium or Diazepam. Benzodiazepines are known as sedatives, and can hold back the body’s cognitive functions for awhile. Those who are driving shouldn’t use them because it can cause poor judgment while on the road. Do not drink alcohol while on Benzodiazepines. There is a risk of injury as this drug can cause light-headedness and loss of coordination and reflexes. For this reason, Benzodiazepines are used short term. The use of CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will help to minimize the length of time these are used.
SSRI – the acronym stands for Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Iinhibitor but most people know these drugs as anti-depressants. They include Dapoxetine, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Fscitalopram, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine and Sertraline. All SSRIs have side effects, some of them severe and long term. SSRIs are also unsuitable for treating pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, as they can pass through the placenta and affect a developing fetus. Hemophilia sufferers and those already in high risk groups for cardiac problems should also avoid taking SSRIs. SSRIs do not treat the cause of Panic Disorder; they only help in suppressing the symptoms.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) – These are powerful antidepressants which can also be used to treat Panic Disorder, but are generally not prescribed long term. They also have a long list of side effects, although they do not cross the placenta so may be prescribed short term for pregnant women. As with SSRIs, alcohol can increase their toxicity. TCAs are known to cause powerful withdrawal symptoms. As with SSRIs, they do not treat the cause; CBT should be undertaken for that.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) – The most powerful antidepressants, MAOIs are not used to treat Panic Disorder unless all other drugs have failed. These drugs block the ability to digest some foods which can lead to complications. They also have severe withdrawal symptoms and are not compatible with a number of other drugs and with alcohol. Like all suppressants MAOIs lessen the impact of symptoms but do not treat the cause; as such CBT may be essential to address the cause of the Panic Disorder to allow the discontinuation of MAOI treatment at the earliest possible point.
As always with medical or psychological issues, the best person to discuss potential treatment with is the family practitioner. People who believe they are suffering from any form of phobia, particularly panic symptoms with no apparent cause, should seek the advice of their doctors before undergoing any form of treatment. The doctor can refer patients to specialists in the relevant areas.
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