Commonly Prescribed Panic Attack Medications

If you have experienced a panic attack, the fear of experiencing another can almost take over your life. Sometimes the anxiety is enough to induce a panic attack. Fortunately, there are a wide range of medications that can safely and significantly reduce symptoms, enabling you to live your life without fear of the random anxiety attack. If you think you’re interested in taking medication to deal with your panic attacks, talk to your doctor about the following:

Alprazolam (al-PRAZ-zo-lam)

Alprazolam, trade name Xanax, falls within a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Other benzodiazepines include Valium and Rohypnol. Xanax is commonly prescribed to treat mild manifestations of general anxiety disorder and infrequent panic attacks. It is not recommended for people who have severe anxiety disorders or daily panic attacks, as it may be addictive and permanently mood-altering. Side effects include drowsiness and dizziness and some people experience irritability and hostility.

Buspirone (bu-SPY-rhon)

Buspirone, trade name BuSpar, is part of the class of medicines known as azapirones. Azapirones, which are primarily used to treat depression, can be a great alternative to benzodiazepines in the treatment of panic attacks because they have similar efficacy but greater safety. Azapirones are not addictive, do not have any permanent psychological effects, and there is little risk of overdose. Side effects include dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, and central nervous system disturbances.

Sertraline (ser-TRUH-leen)

Zoloft is not the only brand name sertraline medication on the market, but it is the most commonly prescribed. Being a selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline is more commonly prescribed for depression than anxiety, but it can effectively prevent panic attacks. Common side effects include tremors, dizziness, confusion, inability to orgasm and decreased libido.

Fluoxetine (flu-OX-eh-teen)

Fluoxetine is sold under various brand names, including Prozac, Fontex and Fluctin. It too, is an SSRI, and it is generally prescribed to treat depression. Though it can be prescribed to treat panic attacks, it is more effective when used to treat obsessive disorders that can cause panic attacks. Side effects include anxiety, restlessness and insomnia, as well as those side effects common to sertraline. Fluoxetine should not be taken by pregnant women or used in conjunction with MAOIs such as Nardil.

Paroxetine (puh-ROX-eh-teen)

Paroxetine, another SSRI, sells under the name Paxil in the United States and Canada and the name Seroxat in the U.K. It is mostly used to treat depression, but also works on panic attacks. Paroxetine may be addictive, and children who take it may think about and attempt suicide. Other side effects include those usually associated with SSRIs.

Phenelzine (PHE-nul-zeen)

Phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat anxiety, goes by the trade name Nardil. MAOIs are often used to treat depression, but have good results with anxiety disorders as well. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, weakness, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or blurred vision. Besides that, taking MAOIs requires you to have some vigilance over your diet. Severe side effects are triggered by cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, beef or chicken liver, tenderized meats, game meat, avocadoes, bananas, figs, raisins, soy sauce, fava beans, ginseng, chocolate, caffeine, beer, red wine and other distilled spirits.