Are there any medications for panic attacks that can be taken on an as-needed basis instead of taking it every day preventatively?

Answer 1

Often, panic attacks can be so debilitating that a person is desperate for relief.

Family History Important to Know FIRST

It has been proved that panic attacks or depression are often have a genetic predisposition. It's to your benefit to find out from your parents if anyone else in the family suffered from anxiety or panix. Sometimes family refuses to talk about such matters and sometimes they simply didn't know that "Uncle Joe" was clinically depressed way back 30 years or more.

Also ask about Heart disease in the family. Some very treatable heart conditions can cause anxiety and mimic "panic attacks".

Talk to your doctor FIRST!

Doctors can often rule out medical conditions that can mimic anxiety and panic.

Counseling (Non-pharmacological-- no meds approach)

If you are suffering from panic attacks I strongly suggest that you see a therapist as soon as possible so that the root of the problem and the best course of action can be determined. Psychiatric problems, whatever their name or nature (from stress to panic attacks or schizophrenia) are not like a headache. You don't just swallow a pill or two and a ready to go. You need to work at the causes of your problem, which may be quite complex and even unknown to yourself, so you can find a way out and, if a cure is not possible, at least you may find a way to live with your complaint in a fairly acceptable manner.

Cognitive Therapy is an excellent way to go. I've taken the courses and I practice it every day. It gives you tools to deal with stress and to learn to see the brighter side of things rather than the negative. Yoga is good for you as is Tai Chi or simply laying back in a hot tub and relaxing. Exercise is extremely important as well even if it's brisks walks. Try to walk somewhere where it's peaceful and you can unload the "brain rush" from the day.

Pharmacology - Natural

NOTE: ALL "natural remedies" CAN interfere with health and with prescribed medications.

As soon as some people hear the word "natural" they feel that these drugs are safe to take. THIS IS NOT TRUE! The drug companies use many of the "natural herbs" for their medications. Homeopathic Medicine is certainly on the rise, but, there is no medical board one can go to if you are not treated correctly. You are basically on your own. See a Homeopathic doctor and don't order ANY natural herbs off-line. Herbal medications can cause problems with other medications the person may be on.

Taking medications, however, is simply a temporary solution to your problem. Talk to your family physician for a health check up and recommendations. Ask about "natural remedies".

One possibility is Valerian Tablets. They are natural and a lot of my clients find them very relaxing and it eases anxiety attacks. It is worth giving it a try first before you resort to another medication you may not need. I have also tried them myself when having anxiety attacks and found them to be a great relief. Also you can try going to yoga or meditation groups to help ease the anxiety. The medication should be your last resort, not your first.

I went the natural route and it didn't help and thus, I take a very small dose of Xanax, but, as I said an SSRI (short-term) with psychological counseling must be added to this mix in order for you to get well.

Pharmacology - Prescriptions

Yes, there are fairly mild, fast-acting anti-anxiety medications available that can be taken PRN (as needed). But only a doctor can prescribe them. So you should be discussing this with your doctor instead of asking for advice here where any flake can offer their opinion on a subject that really requires a professional's diagnosis. Your PCP (primary care physician) can prescribe it. HOWEVER, a psychiatrist or a psychopharmacologist can be more experienced at diagnosing your situation to see IF you need it, how much you need and when, and then monitor your health and any side-effects.

The recommendation of a psychopharmacologist is a good idea. There is a branch of medicine, (the name of which I don't know), who studies your body chemistry and glandular reactions and respond accordingly; one friend of mine discovered that the glands that are supposed to shut down the "fight or flight" bunch (such as the adrenal gland) weren't kicking in for him, resulting in anxiety attacks that went out of control.

Some types of medications that a physician might prescribe are:

Buspar

Buspar has anti-anxiety effects.

Ativan

Ativan is an anti-anxiety medication and works great. It comes in two forms - one that dissolves under your tongue and can stop a panic attack within minutes, or the pill form which can take 10 to 30 minutes to work. It can be taken only when you get a panic attack or as a preventative measure on a daily basis. You need to see a doctor for a prescription however.

Anti-depressants

Low doses of an antidepressant usually will stop panic attacks. They keep your mind from racing at other times, also. SSRIs come with many side effects so it's best to talk to your doctor.

I suffered from panic attacks and they were so severe that I had to quit my job, and I went on antidepressants for a short period of time. That helped and I was able to go back to work.

I have taken Clonazepam for anxiety for several years on an 'as needed' basis. Some days I find myself needing the maximum dosage prescribed to me, and other days I may not take any at all. However, I am under a psychiatrist's supervision as well as a GP's.

Benzodiazepines - like Xanax

Xanax is NOT a barbiturate. It belongs to a class of medications called Benzodiazepines , such as diazepam (Valium), , temazepam (Restoril), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). However, these medications can be abused or become habit-forming. While Xanax is technically addictive, studies have shown that most people (but not necessarily all) come off of the drug very easily; other studies, however, show this not to be the case, especially at dosages of 4mg/day or more. I take 1 mg or less on an as-needed basis only.

Benzodiazepines should not be taken with alcohol. I was first prescribed Xanax by my GP when I began having severe panic attacks. It was a miracle for me, allowing me to go back to school and eliminating full blown panic attacks in a matter of minutes. Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium did not work as well for me, and neither did natural solutions. Shortly after being prescribed xanax I was referred to a psychiatrist. My GP did not feel comfortable prescribing it on a regular basis, and he was right. I was diagnosed with chronic major clinical depression (which often goes along with panic and anxiety disorders) and also social anxiety and several other conditions. I began taking SSRIs, and that was thirty years ago. I will always have to be on them as other treatments have not been successful. Based on my personal experience, my recommendation would be to make an appointment with a psychiatrist who will be able to make a professional assessment of your mental health. He or she can determine if you need medication and what kind.Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist cannot prescribe medicines in most states. A psychiatrist can direct you to a therapist or suggest other appropriate courses of action. Again, my opinion is based on my years of personal experience as well as my mother's. I would consult a psychiatrist as a first step above all others. I realize some people believe psychiatric medications should be avoided, but in my particular case they have been a lifesaver. Whatever the outcome, I wish you the best.

Beta-Blockers (off-label use under the care of a physician)

For fear of public speaking, beta blockers can be given. Beta blockers are a type of blood pressure medicine that slows down the heart and the effects of adrenaline in the body.

As you can see, there is NO "one fits all" solution. You should talk to your doctor.