Three types of drugs are prescribed to treat panic attacks, panic disorder and some of its individual symptoms: 1) anti-anxiety drugs, 2) antidepressants, and 3) beta-blockers.
All these drugs produce side effects in some people. Should be taken under supervision, and prescribing physician needs complete information on any other prescription and non prescription medications and / or supplements you take.
Benzodiazepines (anxiolytics)
The four most commonly prescribed medications in this group include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Its toxicity is relatively low, which means that an overdose is unlikely to be fatal unless taken in combination with other drugs. The combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol is particularly dangerous.
Anti-anxiety medications can cause drowsiness, poor concentration, loss of coordination, speech problems, double vision, muscle weakness, dizziness and confusion. It can also decrease reaction time and affect driving. Some people experience increased excitability, irritability and aggressiveness, combined with reduced impulse control. Nursing mothers should not use benzodiazepines, and to be transmitted through breast milk.
The most commonly cited side effect of these is the dependence or addiction. Extended use is also not recommended because their effectiveness quite rapidly disappearing for many patients, as their bodies develop a tolerance to drugs.
Antidepressants
All antidepressants have side effects, most commonly drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea and sexual problems. Each individual course has its own set of risks.
Selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) are citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft). There is some variation in their side effects, and patients who have problems with one another can often find they can tolerate. The most common side effects are nausea, sexual dysfunction (both decreased libido and sensitivity), weight gain, sweating and dry mouth, increased nervousness, agitation and restlessness, insomnia, drowsiness, and sometimes diarrhea and rashes .
Occasionally the SSRIs can lead to excessive accumulation of serotonin in the brain, especially if taken at the same time or shortly after taking an MAOI or others, such as serotonin builders wort, the tramadol pain relief medications, or certain medications for migraine.
SSRIs have also been found to increase depression and suicidal thoughts in young patients.
Tricyclic antidepressants used to be the first choice for panic and anxiety disorders are less favored since the development of SSRIs, in part because they can cause heart damage.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam). MAOIs are usually only prescribed to people after antidepressants have failed, and that can have serious side effects and interactions with a range of foods and beverages. People taking MAOIs should limit their consumption of many cheeses, pickles, chocolates, certain meats, beer, wine, alcohol and alcohol-free beer and wine or reduced. These foods contain tyramine, which interacts with the MAOI to cause increased blood pressure that can lead to stroke.
Like the SSRIs, MAOIs can lead to serotonin syndrome and should not be combined with certain over-the-counter decongestants and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.
Blockers
Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to prevent the onset of accelerated pulse and blood pressure increase that may trigger a panic attack. Common side effects of beta blockers include weakness, dizziness, tiredness and cold hands. Less often can contribute to insomnia, depression, decreased libido, and shortness of breath. They are contraindicated for people with asthma and may mask some symptoms of diabetes.
If you develop significant side effects in any of these prescription drugs, not just stop taking them. The removal of these drugs suddenly can create other problems. If you suddenly stopped, all major anti-depressants can lead to something called discontinuation syndrome, which causes headaches, nausea, flu-like symptoms, dizziness and lethargy. Talk to your doctor. In particular, antidepressants may have fewer negative effects with another drug. But it may take time to find the right one for you.
