Medication for Panic Disorder
Part Five: Miscellaneous Medications
By Cathleen Henning
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For many patients, the
combination of medication and psychotherapy appears to be more effective than either treatment
alone. Early treatment can help keep panic disorder from progressing.
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This is the final installment of an introductory series on medications commonly prescribed for panic disorder. The series is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about your prescriptions, you should ask your doctor or psychiatrist. Previous installments:
In the last installment of this series on panic disorder medication, I'd like to point you to information on medications that don't fit into the previous four categories covered. Other AntidepressantsProbably most commonly prescribed of these other medications are the antidepressants below. Effexor and Serzone affect serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters. Like the SSRIs, these two antidepressants tend to cause fewer side effects for most people than the older tricyclic antidepressants. Wellbutrin is unlike the other antidepressants. It affects the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. A major benefit found of Wellbutrin is that it doesn't cause weight gain or sexual dysfuntion, two common side effects of many other antidepressants. Desyrel is not usually prescribed as the only medication for panic disorder. Studies show it affects serotonin. It does cause drowsiness for many people. |
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Serzone Generic name: nefazodone RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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Effexor Generic name: venlafaxine Basic Information RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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Desyrel Generic name: trazodone RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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Wellbutrin Generic name: bupropion RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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Beta BlockersBeta blockers are generally prescribed more for social phobia than for panic disorder alone. These usually help symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. You can read more about them here.
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Inderal Generic name: propranolol RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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Other MedicationsBuspar is a medication that was developed for anxiety. It is not indicated for panic attacks or panic disorder. However, for some, it can alleviate the anxiety usually associated with panic disorder which is why a doctor may prescribe it along with other medications. |
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Buspar Generic name: buspirone RxList Generic Information From Internet Mental Health
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A Final Note
Do remember that the information in the Medication for Panic Disorder series
has been offered as a supplement to the information provided by your doctor or
psychiatrist. If you have questions about your prescription, be sure to ask
the prescribing physician.
Cathleen |