Suggest Treatment For Panic Attack Caused By Anxiety

Posted on Fri, 1 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 1 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I seem to get panic attacks while I am asleep sometimes. For example, last night I socialized with some friends over dinner & then I came home & tried to sleep. But, I kept awaking with an elevated heart rate. It took me some time to calm down & fall asleep. This happens on some occasions. I get awakened to a elevated heart rate & a sense of fear & panic. I was tested & I don't have sleep apnea.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anti-anxiety drugs, relaxation exercises.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Your long term Anxiety is turning to panic attacks now.

Since it is affecting your daily life, I think you should start with anti-anxiety drugs now.

Drugs are like paroxetine (prescription drug) are very beneficial in such cases.
Along with that, when you have a panic attack, alprazolam (prescription drug) can help you to calm down.

Also, practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation. Avoid tea intake after evening. This should have added benefits with drugs.

Kindly consult a psychiatrist and discuss about this.

Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.

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