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 widely considered effective for symptom management during an actual attack. These are usually used for short-term uses. Although these are known to effectively reduce 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.

Medications for panic, although generally effective, can often cause serious side effects, some of which are life-threatening. Some of the most common side effects of panic medications are vomiting, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, trouble sleeping, sleepiness, constipation or upset stomach, migraine, sweating, dry mouth, tremor, tension, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, abnormal vision, seizures, and coma, among others.

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapy is a tool that works very effectively for panic attack. Three notable psychotherapy techniques are frequently used for people with panic attacks – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

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 tries to simulate the actual conditions that lead to a panic attack. Then patients are taught how to eliminate the anxiety caused via such simulation by forming new and more appropriate responses.

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 episodes.

With an effective panic attack treatment, most patients go back to living normal lives free of extreme levels of anxiety. Consult your doctor about the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.

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