Sunday, October 4, 2009

Panic Attack Medications

The real root of panic attacks isn’t completely understood however what is known is that it can affect anyone, devoid of any reason, indiscriminate of their age meaning a perfectly healthy person stands the same possibility of experiencing an attack as a person who is depressed and unhealthy. A situation of panic attack can take place when you’re at your house, sitting on your recliner, watching TV, when driving, shopping or strolling, while at the workplace, etc., and can actually happen when you are sleeping.

Given these situations, techniques of intervention could change from person to person, depending upon their conditions, symptoms, way of life, and frequency of attacks. Generally however, therapy entails psychotherapeutics, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or meds although different interventions that can be used are meditation, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and finally natural herbal intervention.

Anti-anxiety medications like Ativan, Xanax and Klonopin supply fast respite from the symptoms panic attack. Benzodiazepines have instant effects, usually in thirty minutes to an hour, these however are, very habit-forming and have some serious withdrawal side effects. Anti-depressant drugs (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Celexa) ought to be consumed constantly before you start to notice the effects, normally up to 6 months or even a year although, you can’t take anti-depressant drugs just in a panic attack. Additionally, since you cannot predict the time you’ll have that kind of an attack, just the ones who are diagnosed with panic disorder (or recurring panic attacks could obtain those types of medications.

Scares, as well as panic disorder, agoraphobia and other phobias and similar ailments can be treated effectively by psychotherapeutics. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is established as an effective way to lower the effects of these attacks or eliminate the condition. CBT focuses on altering the thought process of the individual from negative to positive ideas as well as altering the way in which person reacts or behaves as he runs into an emergency or situations that can spark off an attack.

Another therapy similar to CTB worth stating is known as exposure treatment that that assists the patient in overcoming their dread by letting them face those fearful situations within a contained and secure way. The end result of the technique is that the person learns how to react positively on the things he believes are perilous circumstances – moreover, through the experience, a patient finds out that the situations he fears are not harmful and dangerous.

In many cases, medicine by itself or therapy by itself is adequate to fully cure this ailment, however different cases require both treatment methods to adequately treat panic condition. Meditation, breath exercises, as well as relaxation methods were found to be efficient in lowering the odds of encountering an additional panic attack since these will both soothe the mind and relax the person’s muscle groups. Constantly doing those routines and techniques will strengthen your body's relaxation response.

Natural herbs such as bacopin, ginkgo biloba, passion flower, St. John Wort, hyperforin, 5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), chamomile, rhodiola, are nearly as effective since they have organic anti-stress features. In a few instances, utilizing these herbs is sufficient enough to combat panic attacks and many people respond well utilizing that kind of treatment. Fresh leaves can be turned into tea with a few purchasable OTC in oil, tincture, capsule, powder and tea. The best thing about those organic herbs is the fact that they don’t yield any bad outcomes as compared to standard anti anxiety and anti depressant prescription meds.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Tips For Panic Attacks

For those sufferers who are trying on their own to make sense of their panic attacks and figure out how to stop panic attacks, I have some tips for panic attacks.

Experts cannot put a finger on the exact cause of panic attacks. It can be different for different people. The most common reason cited is stress. Usually a panic attack will occur during a major life change. These single attacks usually go away with the stressful event. If you have recurring attacks and think they are caused by stress, you need to take steps to reduce the stress in your everyday life. See a medical professional if you are having repeated attacks. A medical provider can rule out or diagnose if the attacks are caused by a physical ailment.

Here are some stress reducing tips to prevent panic attacks from occurring.

- Get regular massages. This relieves tension.
- Cut down on the junk food. Eat healthy meals, especially breakfast.
- Get enough sleep. Your body rejuvenates while it is at rest.
- Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever. Get regular exercise and keep your body in shape.
- Reduce (or eliminate) your alcohol and drug intake. This includes tobacco.
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine drinks like coffee, tea and soda. Caffeine in known to increase anxiety. It also can cause insomnia which does not allow the body to get its needed rest.

The last tips are important. Alcohol and drugs have long been accepted ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Alcohol and/or drugs, even prescribed drugs, can create other problems. Try to get your body as clean as you can to reduce the amount of internal stress you have on it. You will be able to come up with your own tips for panic attacks as you become more educated about your illness and recommended treatments.