Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

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

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I am on a dosage of Serta 50 and Sizodon 0.5 Mg daily. I am having panic attacks. what medicine should I take to counter panic attacks

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Low dose benzodiazepines or beta blockers are used for control of panic

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Serta is Sertraline and Sizodon is Risperidone. Sertraline is an anti anxiety and anti depressant drug. The drug can control anxiety symptoms effectively. You have panic attacks even you are taking Sertraline.

In such case to counter panic attacks medicines like low dose benzodiazepines as Clonazepam, Alprazolam can help. The drugs should be taken on SOS basis in events of panic attacks. The drugs carry abuse potential and should not be taken on regular basis. These drugs should be reserved for SOS basis only. Other drugs like Propranolol can also help in your symptoms of panic. The drug is not having abuse potential and it helps to reduce the symptoms of panic without causing any tolerance or dependence. You can consult your PSYCHIATRIST for proper prescription of drugs. Alternatively increasing the dose of Sertraline should also help you. Increasing the doses to therapeutic doses will effectively control your panic symptoms. You can increase the dose of sertraline after consultation of your attending PSYCHIATRIST.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Ask again for more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 hours later)

Thanks you Doctor for such a detailed reply. It will help. What dosage of Propranolol should be taken?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Propranolol is used in doses of 10-20 mg for control of symptoms of panic

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question

Propranolol is usually prescribed in doses of 10-20 mg for control of panic symptoms. Pulse rate should be checked before prescribing the drug. Pulse should not be less that 72 BPM. The drug effectively control symptoms of panic without causing dependence. Please take the drug under proper prescription only.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

I am a diabetic and on Glimayday 2 mg + Fenolip 145. Does it effect the intake of propranolol

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Propranolol should be used with caution in diabetes

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Propranolol is known to lower down sugar levels and it has interactions with anti diabetics so it should be avoided in your case. Though it can be used at lower doses still I usually avoid this drug in diabetic patients presenting to my OPD.

In such case you can go for drugs like Clonazepam, Etizolam. These drugs can be safely used with anti-diabetics but I would advise you to not to use these drugs on regular basis. On SOS basis they are relatively more safe than propranolol. Take the drugs as per prescription only.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj