Sometimes you might experience heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat. This happens when you are stressed or anxious and it is normal to experience them. But when heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat become frequent, there are chances of you having a panic attack. So many questions come to mind when you think about a panic attack. What is a panic attack? Is it normal to experience panic attacks? Is it harmful to have panic attacks and it affects your life? What are the methods to treat panic attacks? You will get the answers to all these questions in this article.
What does a panic attack feel like?
During a panic attack, you feel extremely scared, worried, and stressed. Moreover, you have a racing heartbeat, heavy breathing, and a feeling that something bad is going to happen. A panic attack includes sudden and intense feelings of fear and anxiety. These feelings may last up to a few minutes to 15-20 minutes. Panic attacks may have a specific reason and sometimes they may strike without any reason as well.
Symptoms of a panic attack
Symptoms of panic attacks may vary from person to person. These symptoms can be physical, psychological, and behavioral. You don’t need to experience all the symptoms of a panic attack. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a panic attack you might experience:
- a pounding or racing heart
- heavy breathing and hyperventilating
- sweating, chills, or hot flashes
- dizziness, nausea
- shaking and trembling
- chest pain and muscle spasms
- a feeling that you are choking and getting a heart attack
- a feeling of being out of control or losing yourself
- low self-esteem and avoid attending social events
- emotionally tired
Experiencing panic attacks is not normal and is very frightening. Some people experience one or two panic attacks throughout their lives. While some people experience panic attacks more often. In such a situation, they may develop a panic disorder.
Causes of getting a panic attack
It is not like you start getting panic attacks just like that. Several reasons or factors are there that trigger a panic attack. There are rare chances of you getting an unexpected panic attack. Most of the time there are reasons why you get a panic attack are:
- stress and anxiety
- underlying health issues of yours or any loved one
- substance abuse
- social gatherings or events
- trauma from any incident of the past like any accident, child abuse, sexual abuse
What are the harmful effects of panic attacks on your life?
Although panic attacks are not dangerous, but are one of the scariest things you may experience. Besides the symptoms, the feeling of things getting out of control makes panic attacks scarier. Sometimes it becomes so bad that performing your daily activities becomes a challenge. If panic attacks are not treated on time, it may lead to several complications.
One of the immediate effects of consistent panic attacks is that you may develop a phobia. Because you start avoiding situations in which you experience fear or stress. Even if you don’t have any phobia, you start avoiding doing things that one day result in phobia. In the worst case, you may develop agoraphobia i.e. the fear of going outdoors. Because you think if you don’t go anywhere, you will not face any stressful situation.
You may start drinking alcohol or using any substance to handle the situation. It leads to alcohol and substance use addiction which may make the situation worse.
You start avoiding spending time with family, friends, and things you like to do. This will lead to loneliness which may lead to depression. In the worst-case scenario, you may get suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
I understand panic attacks are very uncomfortable and debilitating. It is not easy to live with them. But you can treat panic attacks. Yes, there are many ways to help you cope with panic attacks and one of them is medications.
Medications to help you cope with panic attacks
Medications are one of the most effective and commonly used treatment methods for panic attacks. A wide range of medications are available to treat panic attacks which are:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
Each of these medications has a different working pattern. The effectiveness of medications may vary from person to person. So, you should consult the doctor before taking any medication. Because the medication effective for your friend doesn’t need to be effective for you as well. In this article, we will discuss the role of benzodiazepines in treating panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications. Some studies show that these medications work great for panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medicines that give immediate relief from a panic attack. But doctors suggest you take benzodiazepines only for the short term. Because they carry a risk of addiction and dependence.
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect on the brain. They enhance the activity of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. GABA slows down the activity of the CNS and reduces the anxiety. It reduces excess agitation and excitement in the brain and induces a calming effect.
Lorazepam, Clonazepam, and Xanax are the best benzodiazepines for treating panic attacks. These medications are prescription medications because they are controlled substances. They work great if you take them under the doctor’s supervision. But if you take them on your own and for a long time, they may have serious side effects. So, always follow your doctor’s prescription while taking these medications.
You can buy lorazepam online Uk these medications both offline and online with a prescription. There are many pharmacies in UK where you can buy these medications and treat your panic attacks.
