A Description of Panic Attacks and Medical Treatment

A Description of Panic Attacks and Medical Treatment

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QUESTION: My sister has been diagnosed as having severe anxiety attacks,
called panic attacks. It has almost destroyed her life. Can you provide a
concerned family with a description of this condition, and possibility for
medical treatment?
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ANSWER: Panic, or acute anxiety, attacks are a frightening experience.
Typically, a person having a panic attack will be overcome by terror or a
sense of dread for no apparent reason. The attacks can last anywhere from
two minutes to two hours, and they can occur repeatedly. What's more, the
attacks are often accompanied by palpitations, trembling, and even dizziness.
Fortunately, there's hope. There are at least three types of drugs that
can quell panic attacks.
Tricyclic antidepressants are one of the most effective treatments.
These drugs have the fewest side effects and the least potential for abuse.
Imipramine is the tricyclic antidepressant most often used for panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can also help. In
some cases, clonazepam is a better choice because it causes fewer withdrawal
symptoms when you stop taking it.
Finally, monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine are also often
prescribed for panic attacks.
The medication that is prescribed by a physician for you will depend on
your individual patient reactions, the drug's possible side effects, and your
doctor's own experience and confidence in a particular treatment. Be sure
your sister obtains complete information about any medicine, so that possible
side effects may not become another source of anxiety for her.