Treatments

This is for informational purposes only, always consult your physician for treatment.

Medication Treatments

BENZODIAZAPINES: These sedating medications are mild tranquilizers and can be potentially habit forming "if abused", but they give the quickest relief. These medications are used for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic and Social Phobias. I have found conflicting reports as to weather these medication treat Panic or just Anxiety. Some say they do not stop a Panic Attack, only anxiety. These medications include: Ativan (Lorazepam), Centrax, Dalmane (Flurazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Paxipam, Restoril (Temazepam), Serax, Tranxene, Valium (Diazapam), & Xanax (Alprazolam).

BETA BLOCKERS: These medications are used to treat Social Phobias. They work by reducing the ability to produce adrenaline. They are fast acting and non habit forming, but there can be interactions with other medications and ailments. Tell your doctor about all physical ailments before taking this drug. These medications include: Inderal (Propranolol) & Tenormin.

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOI): These drugs are sometimes used in treating panic disorder, social phobias, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sometimes Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) They work by blocking the effect of a certain enzyme, preventing the breakdown of Seratonin and Noradreniline. There are dietary restrictions when taking these "oral" medications. Some of these medications are: Eldepryl, Eutonyl, Marplan, Nardil (Phenelzine) & Parnate (Tranylcypromine). Now this medication is being offered via a patch which can bypass the dietary restrictions and has no weight gain or sexual side effects, it's called Emsam . The patch, which will be called Emsam and is made by Somerset Pharmaceuticals Inc., a joint venture of Mylan Laboratories Inc. and Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. It will be marketed in the US by Bristol-Myers Squibb. For more information visit the FDA's website at FDA ,

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS (TRA's) These were first used to treat depressions but some are effective in treating panic. Most are also used to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and OCD. They work by regulating Seratonin and/or Noradrenaline in the brain These medications are: Adapin (Doxepin), Sinequan (Doxepin), Janimine (Imipramine), Vivactil (Protriptyline), Pertofrane (Desipramine), Elavil (Amitriptyline), Tofranil Imipramine), Pamelor (Nortriptyline), Anafranil (Clomipramine), Surmontil (Trimipramine) & Ludiomil (Marprotiline).

SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS: These medications are used to treat Panic disorder and OCD. They work by increasing the concentratin of Serotonin in the brain by blocking the neurons from absorbing it so quickly. It may take up to 4 weeks for this medicine to become effective. They may cause nervousness and diarrhea. These medications are: Celexa (Citalopram), Desyrel (Trazodone), Effexor (Venlafaxine), Prozac (Fluoxetine), Paxil (Paroxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), Serzone (Nefazodone), Luvox (Fluroxamine)& Wellbuterin.

BUSPIRONE/AZASPIRONES: This medication is used for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), it increases the activity of Serotonin in the brain. This medication works slowly and you can't switch from a Benzodiazepine immediately. This Medication is: Buspar (Busparone)

ANTICONVULSANTS: Some doctors prescribe Anti-convulsants medications for people with social phobias, such as Neurontin; This medication may take 2 to 4 weeks to be effective. There is another medication called Lamictal (Lamotrigine).

ANTIHISTAMINES: Some doctors also prescribe antihistamines like Benadryl. Some people respond very well to this while others will become more anxious.

Non-Medication Treatments

The cause of Panic and Anxiety is different for everyone and so is the treatment. For people who have situational panic and anxiety, Non medication treatment may be better for them. When Panic "comes out of the blue" medication may be the best treatment option. And there are some people who will benefit from a combination of both treatments. Discuss the options with your doctor.

BEHAVORIAL THERAPY: This is a therapy which deals with modifying and gaining control over unwanted behavior. People learn to cope with difficult situations by being exposed to them. This may take quite a while but the benefits can last a lifetime.

COGNITIVE THREAPY: This therapy is used to change the thought pattern. People learn to differentiate between realistic and unrealistic thoughts. This can take time and the benefits will last a life time.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: These techniques teach people how to resolve and manage stress which can lead to anxiety. It involves breathing and relaxation techniques that can be used for a lifetime.

Change your thinking Some people believe in changing our thinking for the treatment of Panic Attacks. When a negative thought comes into your head, such as “here it comes again, I don’t feel safe, I’m scared. I’m going to have a heart attack, I’m going to die, I’m going to faint”. You must change this negative thought to a positive thought. An example would be, “I will be fine, I am going to get through this and be OK, I will have a pleasurable shopping experience, etc. Talk to yourself, turn all your negative thoughts into positive ones. This really works. If it does not work the first time you try it, keep trying, it will work. Tell the Panic to “STOP”.

If your mind is obsessed with thoughts of insecurity and inadequacy it is, of course due to the fact that such ideas have dominated your thinking over a long period of time. Instead of thinking fear thoughts of defeat and ineffectiveness, think thoughts of faith and courage. If you think defeat then you are bound to feel defeated. But practice thinking positive thoughts and, make it a dominating habit, and you will develop such a strong sense of capacity that whatever difficulties arise you will be able to overcome them. Imagine a mental picture of yourself succeeding. Never think of yourself a failing and never doubt the reality of this picture. Whenever a negative thought comes into your mind, deliberately voice a positive thought to cancel it out. Put yourself in God’s hands.

Twice a day try to empty your mind of fears, hates, quilts, regrets and insecurities. When the mind is empty, something is bound to enter, so practice filling it with creative and healthy thoughts. Practice this technique of suggestive articulation, which means to repeat audibly some peaceful words such as, Tranquillity and Serenity. The technique for emptying the mind is on the following page.

When you get up in the morning, you have two choices, be happy or unhappy. People manufacture their own happiness and unhappiness. When you awaken, lie in bed relaxed and drop happy thoughts into your conscious mind. Let a series of pictures pass across your mind of each happy experience you expect to have during the day. Savor their joy. Such thoughts will cause events to turn out that way.

50 to 75 percent of people today are ill because of the influence of improper mental states on their emotional and physical makeup. High blood pressure can sometimes be a result of repressed fear. Thoughts of resentment, ill will, hate and jealousy are attitudes which can produce ill health. Healing can sometimes be accomplished when the thoughts are changed. Positive thoughts attract positive things and negative thoughts can attract negative things.

Positive Thoughts (if the word God offends you, just replace it with whatever you feel is your higher power) Day by day as you fill your mind with faith, there will be no room left for fear. I can do all things through Christ (or God), which strengthens me. (repeat this 10 times daily) God is with me, God is guiding me and God is helping me. If God is for us, who can be against us? Let nothing disturb you or frighten you, everything passes away, except God. God alone is sufficient. God is filling my mind with courage, peace and calm assurance. God is protecting me from all harm.

Emptying the mind Before going to sleep at night say: “With God’s help I am emptying my mind of all anxiety, all fear and all insecurity.” Repeat this 5 times and then add, “I believe that my mind is now empty of all anxiety, all fear and all insecurity”

Guidelines for stress management Panic is uncomfortable, but not dangerous. No agoraphobic has ever died or become insane from panic attacks. You will not loose control of yourself no matter how severe the feelings become. This is known through experience.

In support group meetings you may hear new symptoms or fears described. Do not think they will happen to you. Everybody has different fears. Someone else’s fears are not yours. Group unity is essential to our common goal of recovery. Try to identify with other group members, but don’t compare yourself with others.

You are responsible for your own recovery. Others can help, but the motivation must come from you. None of can make you well, but by working together we can find the strength and courage that is already in us to overcome this disorder. Other physical problems can sometimes be aggravated by panic attacks. If you have not done so already, go get a physical.

Medication is a very personal decision and only you and your doctor can decide if they are right fot you. But we do suggest you learn as much as possible about any drug you do take. Some drugs can not be stopped immediately and some have permanent side effects. Also know that, drugs don’t make panic attacks go away, they only control the symptoms. You still have to deal with the cause. Don’t stop any medications suddenly, always consult your physician.

Leave yourself an out. Allow yourself to retreat from any situation that frightens you. Retreat is not an escape, but a means to making your anxiety tolerable. When you feel able, try again. Many of us have tried to stay in a situation that triggered anxiety, and our anxiety level got so high that we started avoiding it. Whenever possible expose yourself to these situation long enough to create anxiety, but give yourself permission to leave. Consistency in facing your fears is more important than the length of time you spend at it. Keep trying to face the situation for a few minutes at a time until you feel comfortable. Always knowing that you can leave. This is called desensitization. Helping others sometimes helps yourself. Dwell on you accomplishments not failures. Sometimes after a period of progress, you will experience a set back. Don’t dwell on this, it is only temporary. We believe recovery does not mean the complete absence of panic attacks, although this may occur. A recovered phobic is one who can cope with a panic attack and control it.

Anxiety Reducing Techniques Print on a 3x5 card and keep handy

1. Retreat to a safer place or person, or at least move away from your present situation

2. COGNITIVE COPING STATEMENTS: Immediately start to talk to yourself or to someone else. Use positive statements such as "I can handle it", "It`s just anxiety", "It will pass", and "Nothing terrible will happen to me. Ask yourself, "what am I telling myself that`s scaring me"? Remember, NO PAIN, NO Gain.(Some discomfort is helpful)

3. Take deep , slow breaths

4. Do things slowly

5. DISTRACTION or EXTERNALIZATION: Distract your mind. Put it on something else, such as the coins in your pocket, familair fragrances or object from a safe place or person. Describe what your senses tell you. STAY IN THE PRESENT.

6. Picture your calm place. Look at an actual picture of a vacation spot, child or pet. Carry this picture with you.

7. Question or challenge the negative thought.....Don`t accept it as fact.

8.THOUGHT STOP/THOUGHT SWITCH: When you find yourself thinking "What if", STOP and switch your thoughts to "SO WHAT IF"?, or other positive thoughts. Accentuate it with a rubber band.

9. EXPECT and ACCEPT the anxiety to be there, so you are not startled by it. Talk to your anxiety.

10. EXPRESS the fear to a piece of paper, a tape recorder, or another person. Expressing the fear makes it go away.

11. Elizabeth, "THIS IS THE BIG ONE"! In reality, IT`s No DIFFERENT from the others. Every reaction seems to be the worst. If you feel brave, try to make the anxiety more intense.

12. Give a number to your anxiety from 1 to 10. Notice it go up and down.

13. Don`t fight the fear, float with it and let time pass.

14. Take an action. Don`t sit and wait for the anxiety to build.

15. Try to keep your muscles relaxed.

On the various sections of this site, we have provided detailed descriptions of the various conditions and treatment methods for anxiety and panic disorder, depression, phobia, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).


You are not alone. Our support group can help you learn and use many coping techniques you can learn and use and provide you valuable information and support. Feel free to contact us for additional information.