preventing anxiety attacks
It is fortunate that there are medications that help prevent anxiety attacks. Antidepressants were the early medication used in preventing anxiety attacks. Later it was found that SSRI’s have been proven to be safer and better tolerated. Examples of such medications include sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) from the SSRI group and clonazepam (Klonopin) from the benzodiazepine group. As these are potent medication, the person being treated should be closely monitored for the possibility of side effects that can vary from minor to severe and in some cases even be life-threatening.
The patient can also try to prevent attacks by managing his personal level of stress. Try to incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga, muscle relaxation and other forms of relaxation in the daily schedule. Exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking can also be useful. Food and beverages that induce attacks should be avoided. One of the factors that trigger a panic attack is an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Learning the proper breathing technique will help in preventing anxiety attacks.