There are a handful very effective panic attack treatment options that have been shown to effectively help with the symptoms of panic disorders. Some are mainstream medicine while others are alternative options. No matter the kind of treatment, the goals remains the same – eliminate, control and prevent the symptoms.

Medications

Medications are generally considered effective for symptom management during an actual attack. Usually, these are most helpful during short-term treatment, as with during an actual attack. Although these are known to effectively lessen the severity of the symptoms as well as in preventing them from occurring. Some of panic attack medications that are best known for bringing the best and longest relief include:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Low risk and generally safe, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first choice drugs for people with from panic attack. These are basically antidepressant medications, but due to their effectiveness against the symptoms of panic attacks, these have become the favorite of therapists and doctors. FDA-approved SSRIs are paroxetine (brand names: Rexeva, Paxil and Paxil CR), sertraline (brand name: Zoloft), and flouxetine (brand name: Prozac).

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Another class of antidepressants, these medications are used primarily for treatment of chronic sadness and irritability. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) help with symptoms of panic attack by preventing their reabrosption or reuptake into the brain cells. Although the exact mechanism behind this group of drugs remains unclear, it is clear that it helps improve mood. The approved drug for treatment of panic attack and disorder is Effexor XR venlafaxine.

Benzodiazpines

A mild sedative and an antidepressant, Benzodiazpine is a drug that basically targets the central nervous system. FDA-approved benzodiazepines for treatment of panic attack are Xanax or alprazolam and clonazepam or Klonopin. These particular drugs are best used during emergency situations when a patient is having a panic attack.

Despite their effectiveness, most people try to prevent as much as possible using panic medications due to the nature of their side-effects. The most common side-effects of using any panic medication are dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia, trouble sleeping and sleepiness, seizures, sexual dysfunction, comatose, among others.

Psychotherapy

Also commonly referred to as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapy is a group of techniques that are known to produce better results for panic attack than medications. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, exposure therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy are three of the most notable techniques used in panic attack treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT is a therapy that aims to alter the cognition or thinking pattern of someone who is suffering with panic disorder. This therapy essentially changes the way one behaves by correcting his thinking patterns.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy makes use of simulation techniques that recreate actual conditions that trigger panic attacks. In this method, patients are taught how to respond more appropriately to levels of anxiety, eventually allowing them to become more capable of handling the symptoms.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses more on investigating the internal emotional conflicts that play significant roles in the triggering of panic attacks and avoidance behaviors that most patients use to get away from possible future attacks.

Most patients eventually resume to their normal lives after undergoing a carefully selected panic attack treatment. Consult your doctor to find out which treatment would work for you.

It always pays to know your treatment options for disorders like panic attack and panic disorder. Find out which panic attack treatment you can consider by using the free information on my website.