Using Meds like Xanax to Get Rid of Panic Attacks : Get Rid Of Panic Attacks
Get Rid Of panic attacks
Article by Rex Ortega
If you are considering using Xanax or other anti-anxiety medications to fight stress and panic attacks, then you may want to know more about how these medications work and if there are side effects to their use.
While not addressing the root cause of panic attacks, these anti-anxiety medications are used to treat its symptoms. Below are the three main types of prescription medication:
Antidepressants: While not all individuals suffering from anxiety are depressed and vice versa, antidepressants can be successful in treating some types of panic and anxiety disorders. A few of the anxiety disorders that are commonly treated with antidepressants include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and social phobia.
Benzodiazepines: These are the true anti-anxiety medications, like Xanax, that claim to get rid of panic attacks. They are most commonly used to treat general anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines are faster acting than antidepressants, counteracting the effects of stress almost immediately. For this reason, Xanax and other prescription medications of this type are extremely popular with individuals looking to get rid of panic attacks instantaneously.
Beta Blockers: This type of prescription medication focuses on “blocking” the physical symptoms of panic attacks, like sweating and trembling. Beta blockers are not used to get rid of panic attacks; rather, they are prescribed for a short period of time to help mask the physical symptoms of anxiety so that the sufferer may have short-term relief.
While it may be tempting to immediately counteract the effects of stress and get rid of panic attacks using prescription medications, there are serious side effects to these treatment options. Primarily that these medications will temporarily mask symptoms and get rid of panic attacks while you are taking them, but don’t actually treat or cure the underlying causes. Additionally, people taking the above prescription medications may suffer from the following:
- Blurred vision
- Headache, lightheadedness and/or dizziness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping and/or nightmares
- Grogginess, fatigue or weakness
There are certainly situations in which the effects of stress and anxiety are so debilitating that sufferers need immediate relief. For people with these severe anxiety disorders, prescription medications like Xanax get rid of panic attacks right away


