Panic Attack Medication and Therapy Treatment in Dallas, Texas

Long-Term: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed as long-term panic disorder medication for adolescents. They work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain, which can stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and lower the frequency of panic attacks. SSRIs are generally considered safe for teens when used under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional.

Some of the most prescribed SSRIs for panic disorder treatment include: 

• Sertraline (Zoloft): Although not currently FDA-approved for this condition, it’s often recommended for its strong evidence in treating panic disorder and anxiety in adolescents. It can reduce the intensity of panic attacks while improving overall mood and daily functioning.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac): This medication for anxiety and panic attacks can support emotional stability and help your teen manage panic triggers over time.
• Paroxetine (Paxil): Sometimes prescribed for severe panic attack symptoms, paroxetine can be effective in reducing the number of attacks. However, it’s not FDA-approved for children under the age of 18. Off-label use requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
• Escitalopram (Lexapro): Escitalopram is well-tolerated by many teens and can help ease panic, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms, supporting more consistent participation in daily activities and therapy.
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox): This SSRI can help teens experiencing panic attacks, particularly when combined with behavioral therapies.

SSRIs generally take a few weeks to reach their full effect, so patience and close follow-up with your teen’s prescribing doctor are essential. When paired with therapy and supportive care, SSRIs can be a cornerstone of a comprehensive plan for panic attack management.

Long-Term: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of long-term panic attack medications that can be effective for adolescents struggling with panic disorder. Like SSRIs, SNRIs work by balancing key neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. This helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. SNRIs are usually prescribed alongside therapy.

Some commonly prescribed SNRIs for teen panic disorder include: 

• Venlafaxine (Effexor): Often recommended for teens with moderate to severe panic attack symptoms, venlafaxine can reduce the frequency of attacks and support emotional regulation. Careful monitoring is essential to manage potential side effects.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Duloxetine is known for its ability to address both anxiety and physical symptoms, such as tension or sleep disruption, that often accompany panic disorder in adolescents.
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): As a newer SNRI, desvenlafaxine may be used in some instances where other medications have not provided sufficient relief, helping teens maintain stability and participate fully in therapy.

SNRIs generally take several weeks to achieve their full effect, so ongoing communication with your teen’s prescribing doctor is key. When combined with therapy and other supportive interventions, these medications can provide a strong foundation for managing panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of fast-acting sedative medications that can provide rapid relief during acute panic attacks. Unlike SSRIs or SNRIs, which are designed for long-term symptom management, benzodiazepines work quickly to calm the body’s physical response to panic, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or overwhelming fear.

For teens experiencing sudden or severe attacks, these medications can offer immediate support, giving them a chance to regain control and use coping skills and panic attack relaxation techniques learned in therapy. Fast-acting medication for panic attacks are not to be taken long-term due to the high potential for misuse. They’re also not the first-line choice of medication for anxiety and panic attacks in adolescents.

Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines for adolescents include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax): The safety and effectiveness of alprazolam have not been determined for individuals under 18 years of age. Alprazolam acts quickly to reduce anxiety and physical symptoms.
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): With a longer duration of action, clonazepam can help manage repeated or prolonged panic attacks, though careful monitoring is essential.
• Lorazepam (Ativan): Lorazepam provides fast-acting relief and is sometimes used in situations where a teen anticipates a high-risk panic trigger.
• Diazepam (Valium): Diazepam can be effective for acute anxiety and panic symptoms, offering temporary relief while longer-term strategies take effect.

It’s important to reiterate that while benzodiazepines can be helpful in certain situations, they are generally prescribed for short-term or as-needed use. They’re considered high-risk for potential dependence and side effects. Mental health professionals may combine these medications with long-term panic disorder medication and therapy.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of medications that are sometimes used to treat panic disorder in adolescents, particularly when other medications have not been effective. TCAs work by affecting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate mood and reduce anxiety.

While they are less commonly prescribed today than SSRIs or SNRIs, TCAs can still play a role in a comprehensive treatment plan when carefully monitored by a healthcare professional. Some prescribed TCAs for panic disorder treatment include: 

• Imipramine (Tofranil): Often used for panic and anxiety symptoms, imipramine can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
• Clomipramine (Anafranil): Particularly effective for certain anxiety and obsessive symptoms, clomipramine may be recommended when other medications have not provided sufficient relief.
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor): Nortriptyline is sometimes prescribed for teens who experience both panic and depressive symptoms, offering dual benefits for mood stabilization and anxiety reduction.
• Amitriptyline (Elavil): Amitriptyline can help with anxiety and related sleep disturbances, though dosing and monitoring are essential to manage potential side effects.

TCAs require careful medical supervision due to possible side effects and interactions, but when used appropriately, they can provide meaningful relief for adolescents struggling with panic disorder. Combined with therapy, lifestyle strategies, and supportive care, TCAs can help your teen regain confidence, reduce panic episodes, and improve overall daily functioning.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are a less commonly prescribed class of medications used to treat panic disorder in adolescents. MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which helps increase levels of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, reducing anxiety, improving mood, and decreasing the intensity and frequency of panic attacks.

Some MAOIs occasionally prescribed for teen panic disorder include: 

• Phenelzine (Nardil): Phenelzine can manage severe panic and anxiety symptoms, particularly when other medications have not provided adequate relief.
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate): Tranylcypromine may be considered in certain cases for teens with persistent panic attacks or co-occurring depressive symptoms.
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan): Isocarboxazid is sometimes used when other treatment options have not been effective, stabilizing mood and reducing anxiety.

MAOIs require careful monitoring because of dietary restrictions and potential interactions with other medications. While they are less commonly used than SSRIs or SNRIs, when prescribed appropriately and combined with therapy, MAOIs can provide meaningful support.

Over-The-Counter Panic Attack Medication

While prescription medications are often the cornerstone of panic disorder treatment in teens, some families explore panic attack medication Over-The-Counter (OTC). These products are not a substitute for professional care but can sometimes provide mild relief for physical tension, restlessness, or sleep disturbances that accompany panic attacks.

OTC options should be viewed as complementary tools rather than primary treatments. When combined with therapy, coping skills, and, when appropriate, prescription medications, they may provide additional support for managing your teen’s panic attacks effectively. Always discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any OTC supplement to ensure safety and avoid harmful interactions with prescribed medications.

Some commonly considered over-the-counter medications for anxiety and panic attacks include: 

• Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine/Benadryl): Occasionally used for short-term relief of mild anxiety or sleep difficulties, though sedation is a common side effect, and they are not a long-term solution for panic attacks.
• Herbal supplements (e.g., kava, passionflower, valerian root): Some herbal remedies are thought to promote relaxation, but research on their effectiveness for panic disorder in teens is limited, and safety concerns exist, particularly with kava.
• Magnesium supplements: Magnesium may help support relaxation and calm the nervous system, which can be beneficial for teens experiencing mild anxiety symptoms.
• L-theanine supplements: Found naturally in green tea, L-theanine can promote a sense of calm and improve focus, potentially helping your teen manage anxious thoughts.
• Melatonin supplements: While primarily used to regulate sleep, melatonin can help teens struggling with insomnia due to anxiety or panic, supporting better overall mental health.