How to stop panic attack symptoms


There are many ways a person can stop panic attack symptoms. First, we need to examine and understand exactly what a panic attack is and what causes it. In order to stop panic attack symptoms from overtaking you, a good understanding of your body's stressors and the things that can bring your body's stress levels considerably down is necessary and helpful. A careful self-examination is key here as nobody knows your own body and mind better than you.

A panic attack is a specific episode in which a person experiences intense anxiety and/or fear that can last for minutes or even hours. Panics attacks manifest themselves in many ways, including but not limited to: shaking, sweating, feeling that your heart is pounding uncontrollably, shortness of breath, chest pain, cramping, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes, chills, choking, and tingling or numbness in your extremities.

In order to stop panic attack symptoms, one has to understand the triggers of a panic attack. The trigger may not be obvious, however, which makes it more difficult to ascertain. You might experience an extreme fear over nothing at all or even a fear of having a panic attack itself. There really is no surefire way to understand the entire scope of what contributes to your panic attack without careful evaluation with a medical professional and possibly a psychologist.

No Reason to be Embarrassed

Many people, however, do not see their doctors or bother with a psychologist because they are embarrassed of the symptoms of a panic attack. Others do not seek professional help because it makes them feel inferior or "crazy" to see a psychiatrist. Pride is not a symptom of panic attacks, but it is a byproduct at times of a person's desire to remain "normal" at all costs.

Some doctors prescribe medications for panic attacks such as Paxil or Zoloft. In order to stop panic attack symptoms, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about these medications or other methods. Always follow the advice of your medical professional and the regulations set forth by the drug companies as it is important to utilize any medication properly. Never stop taking a medication suddenly without the advice of your physician and never start taking medication without the advice of your doctor, either. As with anything in life and in the world of health, nothing beats the expertise and advice of a qualified medical professional.

• Panic disorder strikes between 3 and 6 million Americans, and is twice as common in women as in men.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), paroxetine (Paxil®), and citalopram (Celexa®) are some of the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) commonly prescribed for panic disorder, OCD and PTSD.
• Some people's lives become so restricted that they avoid normal activities, such as grocery shopping or driving.
• Panic disorder is often accompanied by other serious problems, such as depression, drug abuse, or alcoholism.
• Research has shown that a panic attack reflects the same symptoms as a life threatening experience.
• Many people have just one panic attack and never have another.