Let me explain to you some essential factors about dealing with panic attacks. In previous articles I have talked about dealing with panic attacks and the awful experiences panic attacks can bring to people, and the worry that panic symptoms such as chest pains, breathing problems or dizziness can cause. Therefore, it is no surprise that perhaps the first thing you might look for is medical help. Especially if you fear something is physically wrong with you, e.g. worries about having a heart problem, a brain tumour, a lung problem etc. However, visiting your physician just to receive a “quick-fix” recipe of panic pills or panic tablets may not be the best idea. Let me describe to you what I feel are the main pros and cons of using panic medication.

So how to stop panic attacks then? A very important thing to remember about how to stop panic attacks is that the main part of the problem lies in your mind. No, you are not crazy, but it is well-known and well-documented that panic symptoms themselves are not dangerous. Naturally I agree they are awful to experience, but they do not bring your health in actual danger. So a large part of learning how to get rid of panic attacks is related to your beliefs about the symptoms. But despite that, of course your panic attacks can feel so awful that you honestly think you’re left with no choice but to visit your doctor and get panic pills. Can panic tablets be a solutions?

Allow me to describe when I feel you might well need them:

1. If you truly have a completely disrupted life because of panic attacks, so much so that you just cannot function in a normal way. This might mean that you cannot work, your relationships might be affected, or all you can do is to avoid places or situations that you would normally go to, and where that avoidance is making your life very difficult.

2. If after a long time (you decide what is long) you have been unable to solve panic attacks in other ways (counselling, relaxation, controlled breathing, lifestyle changes, other methods etc.)

3. If the reason you experience panic attacks is a result of some other problem you have, and which does need medication.

Now, you could simply take the above reasons and if none of them are true, then panic pills are not indicated. However, I have 3 more important reasons why taking panic tablets is no good.

1. If the disturbance of by panic attacks symptoms is low and is also unlikely to get worse in your opinion (your opinion counts here!)

2. If you feel a temptation for a quick-fix solution, but realize within yourself that panic can only really be solved by psychological strategies.

3. If you have a history of dependency on medication (if not addiction).

Of course, if you do take ‘panic pills’, you need to make sure that they do not interfere with other medications you are taking. You also need to feel comfortable with taking the tablets for a prolonged period of time.

In general though, it really is important to be aware that your first resort solution to get rid of panic attacks shouldn’t always be panic pills, as overcoming panic attacks long term is not likely to be achieved by medication alone. It will help you get rid of panic attacks better perhaps, and also, in might make it more possible for you to use psychological treatment.