A panic attack is a sudden and unexpected feeling of panic, generally characterized by severe chest pain, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, heavy and labored breathing, chilling or profuse sweating, tingling of the hands, and a general feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness against sudden fears that seem to pop out of nowhere. A panic attack may range from mild to severe (to the point of debilitating, especially if it becomes episodic).
An anxiety attack is relatively similar to a panic attack. It is characterized by an impulsive attack of fear and shock. The sufferer experiences sudden nervousness for no apparent reason at all. Other symptoms include severe chest pain that is associated with a pounding heart and rapid heart rate, cold sweating, nausea, numbing of the extremities, lightheadedness, and burning sensations on the skin, as well as illogical thoughts that may lead to losing grip of reality (as if caught in a dream state).
Like a panic attack, an anxiety attack may be felt for a few fleeting seconds or up to thirty minutes (or more) if not given immediate intervention. An anxiety attack can be episodic; after a single attack, a few more may consequently follow for the rest of the day. Its after effects – which may include nervousness, trauma or phobia- may linger on for hours or even days, depending on the gravity of the attack.
Commonly called Clonazepam in pharmacies and drugstores, Klonopin is a potent benzodiazepine drug that is prescribed to efficiently treat cases of chronic epilepsy and acute seizures. Doctors may try and prescribe Klonopin to manage panic and anxiety attacks. Klonopin is known to bring back into the normal equilibrium state certain hormonal imbalances in the brain.
Well-meaning doctors may try and prescribe Klonopin to manage panic and anxiety attacks; but like all other controlled substances, Klonopin has adverse effects. These may include blurred vision, headache, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, confusion, nightmares, vertigo and, ironic as it may sound, even anxiety and depression. If abused, major systems of the body may also be adversely affected; anorexia, dyspnea and amnesia may result.
Panic attacks and other anxiety disorders are commonly thought of as psychological conditions that need psychotherapy sessions or medical intervention in the form of prescription drugs (high-costing controlled substances). However, anxiety disorders such as these may, in fact, be untreatable by drugs. In cases like these, prescribing drugs is like putting a band-aid solution to a deeper disease. Temporary relief is all drugs can offer to the unfortunate people afflicted with anxiety and depression. Aside from the promise of temporary escape from life’s anxieties, such maintenance drugs are quite expensive and must be strictly controlled to prevent addiction or abuse.
Doctors may try and prescribe Klonopin to manage panic and anxiety attacks, but naturopathy such as the ancient medical system of Ayurveda is a proven alternative for optimum health (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual). The ancient process of yoga and meditation is also a drug-free path taken by many anxiety-afflicted persons.
These ancient legacies of the Vedic culture are an effective means to manage anxiety disorders without resorting to drugs that are laden with multiple side-effects detrimental to overall health and well-being. They holistically and effectively address the root cause of the anxiety problem and do not superficially and temporarily cover it up with drugs.
