Allow me to explain to you some (essential~important} factors aboutdealing with panic attacks. In previous articles I have talked about dealing with panic attacks and the awful experiences panic attacks can bring to people, and the worry that panic symptoms such as chest pains, breathing problems or dizziness can cause. Nobody will be surprised then that people often visit their doctor as soon as possible. This is certainly the case if you already have some physical ailment, such as heart or lung problems. Yet, a trip to your doctor to get a quick “panic pills” or “panic tablets” fix can be premature. Allow me to show you some important reasons for and especially against the use of panic medication.

So how to stop panic attacks then? What is essential in learning about how to stop panic attacks is the notion that the core problem is not physical at all but is in your mind. Of course I’m not saying you have an automatic mental illness, but it has been well described now that symptoms of panic attacks are actually not dangerous. They are upsetting, uncomfortable etc. but not dangerous. So a large part of learning how to get rid of panic attacks is related to your beliefs about the symptoms. But despite that, of course your panic attacks can feel so awful that you honestly think you’re left with no choice but to visit your doctor and get panic pills. Can panic tablets be a solutions?

Allow me to describe when I feel you might well need them:

1. If your current life is regulary, if not totally disrupted because of panic symptoms, to the extent that you don’t function normally any longer. This might mean that you cannot work, your relationships might be affected, or all you can do is to avoid places or situations that you would normally go to, and where that avoidance is making your life very difficult.

2. After some considerable time you still haven’t managed to overcome panic attacks through any other means (e.g. relaxation techniques, lifestyle alterations, controlled breathing, or counselling)

3. If your panic attacks are in fact linked to another condition you might have, and which needs medication.

Of course you could not just look at the situations I described above and if none of them are the case for you, then perhaps panic pills are not the solution. Yet, I want to add 3 extra and important reasons for avoiding panic tablets.

1. If your symptoms do not disrupt your life too much (see point 1. above) and you feel this is unlikely to happen.

2. If what you want is immediate help everytime, yet, you are also aware that panic attacks can only truly be overcome through a psychological approach.

3. If you have a history of dependency on medication (if not addiction).

If you do decide to go ahead with “panic pills”, then please make sure you understand if this has any negative effect on other medication you are currently taking. Also, be aware that you could be taking panic tablets for quite some time, and not everybody is comfortable with that.

In any case, please realize that you should try not to grab the panic pills immediately when trying to get rid of panic attacks, because controlling your panic attacks for the long-term can really best be done without relying on them. It will help you get rid of panic attacks better perhaps, and also, in might make it more possible for you to use psychological treatment.