| When seeking help for panic attacks, you need to | | | | numerous and may affect each person differently. |
| decide whether taking prescribed medications is the | | | | Some people function fine with their medical side |
| best possible solution to resolve your panic problem. | | | | effects while others become incapacitated by them. |
| The decision on whether or not to take medications is | | | | The fourth factor to consider is whether you are willing |
| not one to be taken lightly. Serious side effects, such | | | | to take your medication for an extended period of |
| as weight gain, loss of libido, and dependency, are only | | | | time. It may take a long time frame to determine |
| some of the dangerous consequences that may result | | | | whether or not your medication is effective. If you are |
| from your decision to seek help for panic attacks with | | | | not committed to this possibility, you should not begin |
| medications. | | | | the treatment. |
| There are five major factors that you should weigh | | | | The fifth and final factor for consideration is whether |
| when making a decision on whether taking medications | | | | your panic disorder is actually a result of another |
| may be right for you. The first factor to consider is | | | | underlying medical condition that should be treated. If |
| whether or not the symptoms of your panic disorder | | | | this is the case, you should treat the underlying |
| have a great effect on your day-to-day living; your | | | | condition first. It may resolve your panic attack |
| relationships with your family and friends; and your | | | | problem. |
| ability to work productively. | | | | In conclusion, the decision to seek help for panic |
| The second factor to consider is whether or not you | | | | attacks by taking medications is not a simple one. It is |
| have been successful in controlling your panic attack | | | | a personal decision. You must balance numerous |
| symptoms with other treatments, such as psychiatric | | | | factors including: the severity of your symptoms; the |
| counseling. If counseling seems to be succeeding, you | | | | effectiveness of professional counseling; your |
| should remain on that path for a reasonable amount of | | | | tolerance for medical side effects; and your |
| time. It should help you determine whether you really | | | | acceptance of a possible long-term commitment to |
| need medication at all. | | | | the medication. You should also determine whether the |
| Whether or not you are willing to accept the possible | | | | panic disorder actually results from another |
| side effects of taking the medications is the third | | | | undiagnosed medical conditional that needs to be |
| factor to consider. Possible side effects may be | | | | treated first. |