If you are still a panic attack sufferer, then you know how harrowing they can be when they come on. One of the approaches to treating this anxiety disorder is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for panic attack relief. SSRIs are a type of antidepressant that has been on the market since the 1980s and they have proven effective, not only for the treatment of depression, but also for the treatment of anxiety.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are a form of anxiety disorder. Often, they occur without warning and patients who have not had one before feel as if they are having a heart attack. Common symptoms of panic attack include increased heart rate, sweating, feeling of being out of control, dizziness and a slight feeling of dissociation.
It is possible to have a panic attack in almost any environment and many patients report that they did not feel anxious when the attack happened.
Benefits of SSRIs
SSRIs are extremely effective in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. These include depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and the range of anxiety disorders. Among these, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for panic attack relief is a very common pharmacological treatment methods.
SSRIs are often tolerated well and effective for individuals who have other additional medical disorders. SSRIs do not provoke withdrawal symptoms except when they are stopped abruptly. Unlike other antidepressant medications, patients generally do not gain weight due to the medication.
Disadvantages of SSRIs
Probably the largest disadvantage is the length of time it takes for the medication to become effective. Generally, it takes approximately four to six weeks for patients to experience any significant relief from their symptoms. It can take approximately twelve weeks for patients to experience full relief from their symptoms.
When using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for panic attack relief, patients with this and other anxiety disorders can actually experience a temporary increase in anxiety symptoms during the first two weeks of taking the medication.
SSRIs also are known for resulting in sexual dysfunction and problems. For many patients, this disadvantage alone can actually hinder treatment and is a significant disadvantage of the using SSRIs for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Sexual problems occur in approximately thirty-five to forty percent of patients taking SSRIs.
Side effects of SSRIs include temporary initial agitation, headaches, nausea and sexual problems.
Common SSRIs Used for Panic Attacks
There are a significant number of SSRIs available to treat depression and anxiety disorders. These include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox, Lexapro and Celexa.
If your doctor is recommending using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for panic attack relief, you may find that the first medication prescribed does not work right away or it may cause side effects that are difficult to tolerate. These side effects generally last only a few weeks, but they may be difficult and it may prove to be necessary to change medications and try a different one for a trial period. It is not uncommon to need to try several different SSRI medications before you find one that works well for you in treating your panic attack symptoms.
