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Sertraline For Panic Attacksffective Article
Sertraline for Panic Attacks Found Effective
from: Ann KrasowskyThe most common psychotropic medications used for panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include the medications Prozac, Zoloft or Sertraline and Paxil; Benzodiapzepines such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin; Tricyclic antidepressants like Marplanm, Nardil, Parnate and monoamine oxidase inhibitors Tofranil, Norpramin, and Anafranil. SSRIs and Benzodiapzepines have been found to be the most effective in treating panic attacks. Sertraline for panic attacks have been found to be the most effective out of all of the medications from these groups.
In a study conducted by Pohl RB, et al reported in American Journal of Psychiatry, Sertraline in the treatment of panic disorder: a double-bind multicenter trial, in the September 1998 issue found that sertraline is highly effective. This double-bind study was randomized and a parallel-group design which ensures that the results are valid and reliable. This study compared sertraline to a placebo. A group of 168 patients who have been diagnosed with panic attacks were divided into two groups. One of the groups received a placebo and the other received a placebo. The group which received the sertraline for panic attacks received 25 mg per day for a week than received increases per day up to 200 mg at the end of the study dependent on the individual. Each person was evaluated each day to determine how the dosage is affecting symptoms, the occurrence of panic attacks, and the time that the anxiety or panic attacks lasted and side effects.
Results showed that only 9 percent of the group taking the sertraline for panic attacks stopped taking the medications because of side effects. A mere 1 percent stopped the medication because they felt that it wasn't working for them. A large percentage of the participants had a significant decrease in the amount of panic attacks they experience. Sixty two percent of the participants reported that they were not experiencing any panic attacks at all by the end of this study. Other results of sertraline for panic attacks included having a reduction in the severity of symptoms before and during a panic attack. It was found that the most effective dosages when giving sertraline for panic attacks are between 50 and 200 mg.
Sertraline for panic attacks can be prescribed by your doctor. You will need to make an appointment and receive an evaluation and diagnosis. Your medical doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist if he feels that you need more evaluation and monitoring.