Benzodiazepines for Panic Disorder

Anti-anxiety Drug Treatment for Frequent Panic Attacks

Apr 17, 2008

Frequent panic attacks can be very frightening for patients with Panic Disorder, but can be effectively treated with anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines.

For people with Panic Disorder, symptom relief can be found by taking a class of anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that work by affecting a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); they help limit the amount of nerve activity in the part of the brain associated with anxiety.

Panic Disorder is characterized by panic attacks of varying frequency, with accompanying anxiety about consequences of the panic attacks and worrying about having another panic attack. Panic attacks are a period of intense fear, and include intense physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and more. People who experience panic attacks may feel like they are having a heart attack, and they fear they might be dying.

Common Benzodiazepines Used to Treat Panic Disorder

When taken at bedtime, some of these side effects can persist the next morning, so patients need to find out how benzodiazepines will affect them before driving or operating machinery. Benzodiazepines are also known to interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, so patients must consult with their doctors before taking even common pain relievers, antihistamines, or cold medicines. Although many of these side effects are quite unpleasant, they are generally considered by patients with Panic Disorder to be tolerable when compared to the alternative of not treating their panic symptoms.

Prescription benzodiazepines can be used long-term to treat everyday anxiety associated with Panic Disorder, and they can also be used as fast-acting relief for panic attacks. Benzodiazepines like Klonopin have longer half-lives, and they are often used for long-term symptom relief.

The benzodiazepines with shorter half-lives, like Xanax, can be used as needed. They can be used to help calm a person following a panic attack, or they can be taken before an anxiety-provoking situation as a pre-emptive measure. Some laser eye surgeons, for example, provide some of their patients with diazepam to relieve their anxiety during a procedure.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

One of the biggest problems with benzodiazepines is that they run a real risk of physical dependence. The biggest risk lies with people who have a history of alcohol abuse or other substance abuse. Patients who are prescribed benzodiazepines for long-term use should taper off the medications when discontinuing use, as a sudden stop can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your physician. For more information about benzodiazepines and Panic Disorder, visit eMedicine or WebMD.

The copyright of the article Benzodiazepines for Panic Disorder in Panic Disorder is owned by Christina Gleason. Permission to republish Benzodiazepines for Panic Disorder in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.