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Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent worry or behaviour changes related to further attacks. Because chest pain, breathlessness and palpitations can also have physical causes, a first or unusual episode should not automatically be labelled as panic.

Lexapro

Escitalopram

5 · 10 · 20mg

Lexapro is escitalopram in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg film-coated tablets for major depression, generalised anxiety and panic disorder. An SSRI.

From$0.51/ tabletView

Paxil CR

Paroxetine

12.5 · 25 · 37.5mg

Paxil CR is paroxetine 12.5mg, 25mg and 37.5mg in a prolonged-release tablet for depression, OCD, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

From$1.43/ tabletView

Zoloft

Sertraline

25 · 50 · 100mg

Sertraline 25mg, 50mg and 100mg film-coated tablets, used for major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and PTSD. An SSRI.

From$0.40/ tabletView

Key points

  • Common physical sensations include a racing or pounding heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, and a feeling of unreality or detachment.
  • Assessment checks whether attacks are unexpected and recurrent and excludes heart, breathing, thyroid, medicine and substance-related causes where indicated.
  • Psychological therapy is central to care; medicines may be considered according to symptom burden, other conditions and patient preference.

The listings below do not confirm panic disorder; medicine choice requires assessment of physical causes, other mental-health symptoms and adverse-effect risks.

What a panic attack actually feels like

The sudden onset is what makes panic attacks so alarming. Many people describe an overwhelming conviction that something is seriously wrong, a heart attack, suffocation, or loss of control. Most attacks subside within 10 to 20 minutes, though the aftermath can leave a person exhausted and on edge for hours.

How panic disorder is managed

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people reinterpret physical sensations and gradually re-engage with avoided situations. Medicines, including some antidepressants such as escitalopram, sertraline or paroxetine, may be considered after assessment. Choice depends on other conditions, interactions, adverse effects and patient preference; improvement is reviewed over time.

When to seek urgent care

Call emergency services for new or severe chest pressure, fainting, marked breathing difficulty, one-sided weakness, or symptoms that differ from previous assessed panic attacks. Urgent mental-health help is also needed for suicidal thoughts, intent to self-harm or inability to stay safe.

Further reading

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