What is the best ssri for panic attacks?

Ah, good old panic attacks. They hit you out of nowhere and leave you gasping for air like a fish on land. If only there was a magical pill that could make it all go away…wait, there is! It’s called an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and today we’re going to talk about which one is the best for panic attacks.

Panic Attack 101

Before we dive into our deep analysis (not really), let’s take a moment to review what exactly a panic attack is all about. A panic attack typically includes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, shaking, nausea – basically everything your body does when it thinks it’s under threat but you don’t see any predators around.

Panic disorder often coexists with other conditions — in fact over 60% of individuals with depression also have another mental health disorder(hits us right in the feels). Anxiety disorders aside from just general anxiety are commonly diagnosed together with major depressive episodes(why not stack them up?) Additionally , those who experience migraines may be at increased risk or exhibit similar traits related to panic attacks/ conditions.

There are many ways to manage anxiety including therapy sessions like Cognitive Behavorial Therapy(CBT), lifestyle changes(like avoiding caffeine or developing relaxation techniques )and medications(SSRIs!). As wise woman Beyonce once said ‘Whatever helps that individual get control back in their life!’ And now we can start talking more seriously (or not) about SSRIs!

The Big Names: Sertraline vs Fluoxetine

When it comes down to treating panic disorders/depressive episodes/anxiety disorders–most physicians prescribe sertraline aka Zoloft 0r fluoxetine aka Prozac(. You probably know these names—everyone else does too—these two SSRIs have been the most popular for ages. Because these two SSRIs have been subjected to numerous studies, there’s a good chance you may be prescribed one of these little pills.

Sertraline: A Kind and Steady Friend

Sertraline (Zoloft) is probably your best bet if you want to manage anxiety while avoiding pesky side effects like weight gain or fatigue. It has an FDA recommendation for tolerability-related panic disorder treatment as well but interestingly no randomized control trials(RCTs) compared it against other active treatments with similar outcomes! (short sentence alert)

Here’s a sample table so you could compare Zoloft doses and major benefits at glance;

Dosage/Dosages FormS

  • 25mg/daily
    -50 mg/daily
    -100 mg /daily(downside-> when dosage goes over 100 ,more safety concerns arise)

Major Benefits:

  • Low risk of sedation/fatigue(drowsiness)
  • Long half life(minimal withdrawal periods)

Fluoxetine: The Oldie But Goodie

Fluoxetine (Prozac), besides being around since forever, can also help regulate appetite meaning it lowers cravings/ simultaneously helps prevent sudden urges resulting from common eating disorders like bulimia . Some even argue it makes them ‘feel more human’ again but after munching on some donuts perhaps that feeling would fade away!. This drug also has evidence in regards to treating depression/generally alleviating anxious feelings(fist pump). Here’s what we’ve got listed down—

Dosage/Dosages Forms:

-10 mg/capsule/tablet
-20 mg/caplet/tablonet
-downside->might cause mild insomnia/headache if adminstered in excess i.e>60mg/day

Major Benefits:

-Lowers/No associated Sexual dysfunction(different than anti-depressants typically lead to)
-high tolerability
-approved by FDA for new onset panic attack events!

But wait, what of the others?

We’re glad you asked. While sertraline and fluoxetine take up most of SSRIs portion within pharmacies across US , there are other options like citalopram (Celexa) or escitalopram (Lexapro). These SSRI alternatives have been prescribed increasingly since their effects became more significant which is good news for those who can’t tolerate loss of libido side-effects(thumbs up). Let’s check them out!

Citalopram: A Surprise Contender with Minimal Side Effects!

Citalopram (Celexa), called as a reliable alternative to relatively higher dosages(> 100mg)of select antidepressants shows no major interactions rather its a safer bet decreasing potential life toxicities. The downside is that although it seems to help people conquer panic disorders, Celexa has yet to get an approval from the Food and Drug Administration(FDA).

Dosage/Dosages Forms:

-10 mg/tablets
-20 Mg/pills in cumulative doses
-downside->might lead low sodium levels-certain allergies issues present face challenges

Major Benefits:

-low incidences on adverse reactions report(Most research shows efficacy rates closing onto double digits!)

Escitalopram: Best Bungee Jump Companion Yet?

Escilatoprama.k.a Lexapro stands as one drug that offers promising results when compared with reference groups. People taking it feel better and suppress anxiety faster; however, they also note cravings/hunger during use(sometimes this ‘elephant tea party” feeling adheres till discontinuation period ) . (Oh boy)

With an impressive reaction database backing up successful treatment rates related to SSRI induced Deppressive/anxiety states and Panic attacks—this magic pill comes at a slightly costly price point.

Dosage/Dosages Forms:

-20/10 mg chews
-40 mg/ml liquid suspension
-downside-> More side-effects shown on regular intake

Major Benefits:

-Fast acting, able to control anxiety attacks right after administration
-No associated weight gain effects

Conclusion: There’s no Right or Wrong!

To summarize our findings with all these options available, choosing the best SSRI for panic attacks is unique to each individual(We know…cheesy but true). Each person experiences different symptoms and we can never truly emphasize this enough—what works for one may not work necessarily for you.. Seek professional advice from medical practitioners before taking any treatment drug! Better yet, don’t forget about CBT sessions! Remember that while medication help us cope with acute episodes of anxiety/panic disorders lifestlye changes are also a significant pursuit towards reclaiming control of your mental health.

So there it is folks!! our humorous breakdown which sums up all important aspects/caveats about SSRIs and how they could potentially manage some sort containment over those filthy panic attack demons hovering above in the sky ready to pounce(you know who you are!). Keep your prescription cards updated (and stay safe).

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