How to Stop Panic Attacks

When you are dealing with panic attacks often the only thing you want to know is how to stop attacks. For some people panic attacks are a onetime thing but for others the attacks will continue and develop into a panic disorder. When this happens, a person will experience panic attacks many times per week, or every month.

The answer to how to stop panic attacks is complicated. Most of the time panic attacks are managed through medication and therapy. The first step is to seek medical attention through your family physician.

Your doctor will likely want to rule out any other medical problems that you could be experiencing. A panic attack can mimic the symptoms of a heartattack and vice versa. Once you have a diagnosis you can precede with treatment options.

The best answer to how to stop panic attacks is probably medication. There are several accepted medications available that will act as a tranquilizer and possibly completely stop panic attacks. Accepted prescription medications for panic attacks are:

Anti- Depressants- paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram or fluoxetine
Benzodiazepines - diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam

Benzodiazepines are not as often prescribed as anti-depressants because of the risk of dependency and addiction. They are fast acting in stopping panic attacks however you must be careful if this is the therapy you choose.

Perhaps the best way to deal with panic attacks is to learn coping skills. These are not an answer to how to stop panic attacks but they can lessen the effects. When you learn to cope with the attacks, you will lessen the anxiety that can lead to more panic attacks.

Coping

To cope with panic attacks you can employ many different techniques. One of the most suggested methods is deep breathing exercises. To do this you should concentrate on slowly breathing in and out through the nose. This will balance the oxygen level in the blood, and focus your attention on something else other than the panic.

Another great coping skill is to repeat affirming statements to yourself. Keeping the panic disorder in perspective and acknowledging that you will be okay will help you ride out the storm. Tell yourself things like “I am okay”, “this will pass”, “no one has ever died from a panic attack” or “this may not feel good but it will pass”. There is no one answer to the question of How to stop panic attacks. You will have to search out the underlying causes and become very proactive in your treatment.

As I was writing the above article, it struck me that you may be interested in reading this too: I hope you find it useful dealing with anxiety and treating panic attacks

How To Stop Panic Attacks

how to stop a panic attacks

How to Stop Panic Attacks

Related Articles: