Question

Which of the following medications may be prescribed for the patient to treat their panic attacks and why?

• SSRI’s
• Antidepressants such as trazadone
• Tricyclics such as amitriptyline & imipramie
• MAO inhibitor phenelzine
• Benzodiazepines
• Antihypertensives
• Antipsychotics

Answer 1

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Panic attacks is abrupt changes in brain which causes episodic changes like anxiety, stress, intense fear, which results in palpitations, sweating, fear, etc.

Medications prescribed to treat panic attacks are -----

The best drug of choice to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antidepressants. But other medication like Tricyclics, MAO inhibitors phenelzine, Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics are also used.

Antihypertensive are primarily used to treat hypertension.

— Benzodiazepines are prescribed but for short duration due to their addictive nature. Like it causes muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremor, etc. It increases the activity of GABA which is inhibitory neurotransmitter .

— SSRI more frequently used to treat panic attacks because it reduces the intensity of attack and frequency to reoccur.

— Antidepressants are also used as it increase the level of serotonin by binding to 5-HT2 receptor.

— phenelzine inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase and increase the substances responsible to relieve from panic attacks.

— Antipsychotics block the dopamine receptors and decreases the attack.

Thankyou.