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Celexa, and Lexapro are the most commonly prescribed for panic attacks because of their decreased risk for serious side effects.
SSRIs have been found to reduce the frequency of panic attacks by up to 85%.
SSRIs must be taken for 3 to 6 weeks before they are reach their full effect.

SNRIs: Antidepressents called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta, Effexor, and Effexor XR.

TCAs: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Norpramin, Tofranil, and Pamelor.
These medications are effective but have a risk of serious side effects which include heart and blood sugar problems.

Benzodiazpines: These medications are mild sedatives, and belong to the group of medication called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Benzodiazepines may be addictive, especially when taken for a long time or in high dosages.
These include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium and Ativan.
They are effective in decreasing panic attacks by up to 75% and their effect is immediate, but they they must be taken up to 4 times a day.
Side effects include sedation, memory loss, and the risk of becoming habit forming.

MAOIs: Because these antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause life-threatening side effects and require strict adherance to a specific diet, they are not commonly prescribed.
They include Nardil, Parnate, Marplan and Emsam.

Psychotherapy (CBT) To Treat Panic Attacks

Psychotherapy, also known as counseling or talk therapy, can help you understand your panic attacks and how to deal with them. The main type of psychotherapy used to treat panic attacks and panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you change the ways you think which trigger your panic attacks, as well as change how you deal with anxiety.
When learning to deal with phobias such as being in a crowd or in an elevator, the therapist may recreate the situation to have you experience it in a non threatening atmosphere, such as the therapist's office.

Learn more about this author, Debora Chaves.
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