Essential Common Knowledge For Panic Disorder Drugs

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 – Also known as Diazepam or Valium. Benzodiazepines are relaxants; they suppress the body’s cognitive functions for a time. As such they are not suitable for those who drive, since driving impairment and judgment will be affected. Alcohol should never be consumed while on Benzodiazepines. Dizziness, lack of co-ordination and danger of injury by falling are the most common short term side effects. Benzodiazepines may not be prescribed for long term treatment, but together with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) these drugs are often used short term.

SSRI – This stands for Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitors, but these are commonly called anti-depressants. This category includes: Sertraline, Paroxetine, Flouxetine, Fluvoxamine, Escitalopram, Dapoxetine, and Citalopram. All drugs in this category have side effects, and some are more influential than others. These cannot be used to treat expectant mothers, or those who wish to become pregnant because they can cross the placenta and impress the fetus. Those who are hemophiliacs are have cardiac disease should not take SSRI’s. It’s important to remember that SSRI’s don’t treat the problem; they only aid 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.

Generally, it is best to discuss medical and psychological treatment with your family doctor. Those who believe they are haunted by any phobia, especially panic attack symptoms with no link, should talk to their doctors before submitting to any form of treatment. The doctor can refer patients to a specialist in any area.

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