Benzodiazepines approved by the FDA for the treatment of panic disorder include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These sedatives are central nervous system depressants. The SNRI venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is FDA approved for the treatment of panic disorder. These medications are another class of antidepressants.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

SSRIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of panic disorder include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft). Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Several types of medication have been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of panic attacks, including: Medications can help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks as well as depression if that's an issue for you. You may schedule occasional maintenance visits to help ensure that your panic attacks remain under control or to treat recurrences. You may start to see panic attack symptoms reduce within several weeks, and often symptoms decrease significantly or go away within several months. Seeing results from treatment can take time and effort. Successful treatment can also help you overcome fears of situations that you've avoided because of panic attacks. Once the physical sensations of panic no longer feel threatening, the attacks begin to resolve. Your therapist will help you gradually re-create the symptoms of a panic attack in a safe, repetitive manner. Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope with them.Ī form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn, through your own experience, that panic symptoms are not dangerous. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is considered an effective first choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. One or both types of treatment may be recommended, depending on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic disorder and whether you have access to therapists who have special training in treating panic disorders. The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. Treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your panic attacks and improve your function in daily life. If panic attacks aren't treated, they can get worse and develop into panic disorder or phobias. If you have panic attacks but not a diagnosed panic disorder, you can still benefit from treatment.

Your panic attacks aren't caused by drugs or other substance use, a medical condition, or another mental health condition, such as social phobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

At least one of your attacks has been followed by one month or more of ongoing worry about having another attack continued fear of the consequences of an attack, such as losing control, having a heart attack or 'going crazy' or significant changes in your behavior, such as avoiding situations that you think may trigger a panic attack.

You have frequent, unexpected panic attacks.For a diagnosis of panic disorder, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists these points: Not everyone who has panic attacks has panic disorder. You also may be asked about alcohol or other substance use.

You may fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire.

Breathing exercises for panic attacks