| The rush of fear and the intense physical sensations | | | | 3 reasons not to take medication |
| associated with panic attacks make them an | | | | 1) Medication can be more expensive in the long term |
| experience you'd rather avoid. Many people try | | | | than psychological treatment. Cognitive-behavioral |
| coping on their own, but repeated panic attacks can | | | | therapy may seem like a big expense up front, but if |
| become very upsetting and disruptive. Are you at | | | | you take drugs for an extended time the cost will |
| the point where you're considering taking some | | | | match and even exceed what you spent on the |
| medication to control your anxiety? As with most | | | | sessions of therapy. |
| important decisions, there are two sides to consider. | | | | 2) The anxiety reduction you experience while taking |
| Here are three reasons to take medication and three | | | | medication may not last long after you stop taking it, |
| reasons not to. | | | | especially compared to the staying power of |
| 3 reasons to take medication | | | | successful cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some |
| 1) Anti-anxiety drugs work for many individuals. The | | | | research suggests that relapses are more likely when |
| medication that your doctor selects for you will have | | | | medication has been the only treatment. |
| been clinically proven to subdue feelings of anxiety | | | | 3) Medication can produce side effects and |
| and reduce the likelihood of panic attacks. | | | | withdrawal symptoms. Even for those in good health, |
| 2) Medications can start to work quickly. Anti-anxiety | | | | medication can cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry |
| drugs such as clonazepam begin to have an effect | | | | mouth, and various other unwanted sensations. |
| within minutes. Other drugs used to treat panic | | | | Anti-anxiety drugs may also have a negative effect |
| disorder, such as clomipramine, may take several | | | | on pre-existing medical conditions. |
| weeks to kick in. | | | | The decision about taking anti-anxiety drugs is best |
| 3) Medications are easy to use. Taking a pill is simple, | | | | made in consultation with your doctor. Many |
| in comparison with the time and effort that | | | | professionals believe that a combination of medication |
| psychological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral | | | | and therapy produces the fastest and most lasting |
| therapy can require. | | | | recovery from panic attacks. |