Is panic attack a serious condition. One of my friend is taking SSRI and he is still complaining of breathing difficulty he is also taking along with this with Clonazepam and propranolol. Kindly help
Propanol is a non selective beta blocker… rule out asthma or copd.
Panic attack is not a serious condition… Its just a feeling that the person isgoing to be doomed but actually he is not… If he has chronic anxiety recurrent panic attacks can happen… Ssri would help in the long run but not for acute problems… Before confirming it as panic attack rule out cardiac conditions, asthma… At the time of attack person can try breathing through pursed lips into a paper bag or cupped hands… Ask the person to breath into his belly rather than his chest… If it is not controlled this way take propranalol 10mg… It shall abort the attack… Hope this helps…
Panic disorder doesn’t always go away just soon after starting medication. It takes time. Along with medication , relaxation technique and behavioural therapy is of paramount importance. And always rule out all the d/d of panic disorder.