Panic attacks may be a symptom of panic disorder, which can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Medications and other treatments may help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Panic attacks are sudden and intense feelings of fear or terror that occur without warning and can peak within minutes. People who experience them repeatedly may have panic disorder. Panic attacks are also known as anxiety attacks.
Doctors usually prescribe medication according to the severity of a person’s symptoms and the frequency of their panic attacks. People may also benefit from other treatments, such as therapy and relaxation techniques.
This article looks at the most common medications doctors prescribe for panic disorder. It also outlines other treatments, how to speak with a doctor, and the outlook for those with panic disorder.

Taking medication is one way to mitigate the symptoms of anxiety.
Doctors most often prescribe antidepressants and benzodiazepines for people with panic disorder.
With all medications that affect serotonin levels, individuals should be aware of the risks of
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:
- agitation
- anxiety
- disorientation
- restlessness
- sweating
- tremors
Learn more about serotonin syndrome here.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the first-line medication for treating panic disorder. They
Common SSRIs that doctors prescribe for panic attacks include:
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
The possible side effects of medications feature on the drug’s label. A person can also discuss side effects with a doctor before taking a medication. Common side effects of SSRIs include:
- agitation
- nausea and vomiting
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- constipation
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- sexual dysfunction
- dizziness
- sleeping problems
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Doctors commonly prescribe the following SNRIs to treat panic disorder:
At low doses, SNRIs can cause the following
- nausea
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- drowsiness
At higher doses, SNRIs can cause the following side effects:
- mildly increased blood pressure
- excessive sweating
- fast heart rate
- tremors
- anxiety
Learn about the difference between SSRIs and SNRIs here.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a type of antidepressant that doctors prescribe to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
TCAs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. This helps increase levels of these neurotransmitters to help improve mood, relieve anxiety, and decrease feelings of fatigue.
Examples of TCAs include:
- amitriptyline
- clomipramine (Anafranil)
- desipramine (Norpramin)
- doxepin (Silenor)
- imipramine (Tofranil)
- nortriptyline (Aventyl)
TCAs may
- constipation
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- confusion
- urinary retention
- fast heart rate
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by
Examples of MAOIs include:
- isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- phenelzine (Nardil)
- tranylcypromine (Parnate)
MAOIs are not the first choice for treating panic disorder, as they can cause interactions with other drugs and certain foods. They also cause side effects, including:
- dry mouth
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- drowsiness
- insomnia
- dizziness
Benzodiazepines
Doctors may also prescribe benzodiazepines to help people with anxiety disorders. These drugs reduce electrical activity in the brain and the intensity of anxiety symptoms.
Examples include:
Benzodiazepine drugs are effective in the short term, but a person should not take them over long periods, as this may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
The most common side effects of benzodiazepines include:
- breathing difficulties
- severe drowsiness
- slowed heart rate
- low blood pressure
- fainting
Learn more about benzodiazepines here.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers do not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration to treat anxiety disorders. However, doctors
Beta-blockers may cause side effects such as:
- slow heart rate
- high blood pressure
- fatigue
- dizziness
- nausea
- constipation
- sexual dysfunction
These side effects are usually mild, but they may become more severe if people do not take the medication properly or if the dosage is too high.
There are no specific tests doctors use to diagnose panic disorder. Therefore, doctors use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) to guide their diagnosis. They will diagnose panic disorder under the following circumstances:
- panic attacks repeatedly occur, followed by 1 month or more of persistent concern about having another attack
- a person changes their behavior to avoid situations they consider triggering, such as work or school
- panic attacks do not happen solely as a result of substance use, medications, or other medical conditions
- other diagnoses cannot better explain the symptoms
- panic attacks are not always the result of a recognizable trigger
- a person experiences anxiety both physically and mentally
Healthcare professionals must rule out other conditions before diagnosing panic disorder. Once they diagnose it, they may use rating scales to assess how severe the panic attacks are, which can inform the treatment they recommend.
Besides medication, there are
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga
- dialectical behavioral therapy
- exposure therapy
- group therapy
- hypnosis
- staying physically active
- eating a nutritious and balanced diet
- taking herbal supplements
Talking with a doctor about panic attacks can be difficult. Preparing questions before a doctor’s appointment may help a person get the most benefit.
An individual can ask about different types of treatment and whether another diagnosis could account for their symptoms. They may want to discuss practical measures they can take to reduce their symptoms.
It may also help to have a friend or family member at doctor’s appointments to hear the discussion.
If medications cause persistent adverse side effects, a person should discuss these with a doctor. The doctor may be able to adjust the medication or dose.
Many people with panic disorder also have other mental health conditions that complicate their recovery. Even after symptom-free periods, most individuals experience further panic attacks. Not sticking to medication or therapy regimens contributes to poorer outcomes.
According to a 2022 article, around 60% of people with panic disorder achieve remission of symptoms within 6 months.
Those with panic disorder are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and decreased quality of life than people without the condition.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Panic attacks are the main symptom of panic disorder. They can happen suddenly without an obvious trigger and reach a peak within minutes.
Medications can help alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks and reduce the risk of a future attack. Examples include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.
All medications can cause side effects, and a person must discuss these with a doctor before taking a drug.
Alternative treatments are available to treat panic disorder, such as therapy, relaxation techniques, and healthy lifestyle choices.