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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Panic Attacks

For about three weeks now, i have episodes of a panic attack/anxiety/depression. When I start dozing off, i suddenly open my eyes and I start panicking and having shortness of breath and the feel of escaping. I sometimes wake up feeling the attack and I go outside to watch tv and I lose sleep. Are those sign of a panic attack? Do I need Buspirone or Xanax. I appreciate your feed back
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from Health Care Magic

The symptoms like shortness of breath, feeling of escaping during sleep with sudden opening of eyes are most likely due to panic or severe anxiety. Feeling of doom in close room and moving out of home are symptoms of panic disorder. If these symptoms are causing significant impairment of sleep then I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for treatment. Yes buspirone or xanax can help to reduce the symptoms in panic disorder. Xanax is alprazolam and the drug helps to reduce the symptoms of severe anxiety. The drug is a benzodiazepine and should be taken with prescription only.
Other drugs like Sertraline, Escitalopram are approved drugs to use in panic disorder. Consult a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs.

If you don't want to take drugs then consult a psychologist for behaviour therapy and relaxation exercise. Relaxation exercises like JPMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Breathing exercises help to reduce the symptoms of panic. Avoid excess tea, coffee, alcohol in evening.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Panic Attacks

Hello thanks for asking from Health Care Magic The symptoms like shortness of breath, feeling of escaping during sleep with sudden opening of eyes are most likely due to panic or severe anxiety. Feeling of doom in close room and moving out of home are symptoms of panic disorder. If these symptoms are causing significant impairment of sleep then I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for treatment. Yes buspirone or xanax can help to reduce the symptoms in panic disorder. Xanax is alprazolam and the drug helps to reduce the symptoms of severe anxiety. The drug is a benzodiazepine and should be taken with prescription only. Other drugs like Sertraline, Escitalopram are approved drugs to use in panic disorder. Consult a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs. If you don t want to take drugs then consult a psychologist for behaviour therapy and relaxation exercise. Relaxation exercises like JPMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Breathing exercises help to reduce the symptoms of panic. Avoid excess tea, coffee, alcohol in evening. Thanks, hope this helps you.