Ailments & Conditions

Treatment Options for Panic Attack Disorder

Antidepressants

Antidepressants were initially used to treat bipolar disorder or depression. Now people also take these medications to relieve symptoms of panic attack disorder and anxiety disorders. They are effective in decreasing the intensity of an attack. Doctors also often suggest antidepressants for people with a co-occurring condition, such as depression or PTSD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, often known as SSRIs, are the most popular class of antidepressants prescribed. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain called serotonin, these chemical messengers are responsible for regulating the mood. Taking these drugs would help balance levels of serotonin, thus improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and regulating mood. Common SSRIs include sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and citalopram. Taking them can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attack disorders. [4]