Having Panic Attacks And Terrible Anxiety, Prescribed Xanax Which Helped. Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 10 Oct 2013

Question: I am having panic attacks and terrible anxiety. Can you help me?
I have had a history with anxiety sporadically over the years and have been prescribed Xanax which helped. I am a healthy 51 yr old with no health problems.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to XXXXXXX

You are a 51 years old female and have problems of terrible anxiety and panic attacks. You are taking Xanax for that which provided relief.

See xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and it is a very effective drug in controlling the symptoms of anxiety. It provide a little sedation and helps to relax the individual, but it is having dependence potential and if taken for long has abuse liability. It can control anxiety but alone can't used to treat anxiety.

You have panic attacks along with anxiety so I would recommend you to consult a Psychiatrist for help. Medicines like SSRIs as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertaline etc can be used for anxiety and panic attacks. The medicines are usually prescribed for long time (about 3-6 months) and start showing effects in about 4 weeks. Theses medicines correct the neurotransmitter abnormality in anxiety and panic attacks. These are free of serious side effects and have no dependence potential.
The benzodiazepines drugs can be used on SOS basis until the drugs show their effect.

Apart from medicines non medicinal treatment like Behavior Therapy with relaxation exercises as Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises, Deep Breathing Exercises are very useful

Hope this helps you, if you have more questions you can ask again.

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar