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Panic Attack Medication and Symptoms
Panic attacks are very distressing and frightening and lots of sufferers have said that they are one of the most horrible things they have ever felt. They develop from the 'flight or fight' response that is happening in an out of place situation. Panic attacks usually last for approximately 30 minutes, which may not appear very long, but if you're a victim, that's a very long time to undergo the alarm, extreme anxiety and discomfort that they bring about. In addition individual panic attacks can happen in cycles that can last for many hours. Those who suffer from panic attacks very often feel apprehension constantly as they foresee the next attack.
Lots of people, suffering a panic attack for the first time think they are having a nervous breakdown or heart attack and often call the emergency services. The 'fight or flight' reaction releases adrenaline and norepinephrine into the blood in preparation for the body to deal with the projected crisis and this is the cause of the numerous physical reactions that occur. There may perhaps be a panicked urge to run away from the immediate area, nausea, feelings of faintness, sweating and breathlessness all of which arise from the increased level of adrenaline in the blood. These reactions themselves cause general anxiety which causes a positive feedback, causing additional adrenaline to flood into the bloodstream which makes the symptoms worse.
Medication for Panic Attacks
The typical medication for panic attacks is an antidepressant, typically a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine or sertraline. This type of medication can diminish the regularity and number of attacks which can help decrease general anxiety, although they may take more than a month to work. They also have some side effects which may include tiredness, constipation, nausea, migraines and a dry mouth. Benzodiazepines were often prescribed previously and while extremely useful at preventing attacks have a very high risk of addiction and are prescribed much less frequently now. They can also have a few side effects which may include lack of attentiveness, decreased alertness and coordination and drowsiness.
Some Helpful Methods of Coping With Panic Attacks
Many people who undergo panic attacks and don't wish to use panic attack medication have found some relief by using one of the following methods. These can help to relieve the fear felt throughout an attack and prevent it from escalating.
1) Slow abdominal breathing - inhale through the nose, while slowly expanding the diaphragm then exhale slowly. This may help to rectify any imbalance of carbon dioxide or oxygen in the bloodstream.
2) By using coping thoughts such as
"Even though it feels awful I will deal with it"
"It won't last forever then I'll be alright"
"No one dies from a panic attack"
Conclusion
Panic attacks are extremely upsetting in particular the first time they happen. In spite of this if you are aware of the cause and are aware that you are not going through something that is going to kill you, you can learn techniques to deal with them.
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