Psychiatric Medications Q 37
Which medications have been found to help reduce or eliminate panic attacks?
A. Antidepressants
B. Anticholinergics
C. Antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
Correct Answer: A. Antidepressants
Tricyclic and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants have been found to be effective in treating clients with panic attacks. Why these drugs help control panic attacks isn’t clearly understood. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the mainstays of pharmacologic treatment. Among the different classes of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended over monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
Option B: Anticholinergic agents, which are smooth-muscle relaxants, relieve physical symptoms of anxiety but don’t relieve the anxiety itself. Anticholinergic medications have a wide range of physiologic effects, including effects on circulation, respiration, alertness, and vision. Drugs with anticholinergic activity are useful for the treatment of respiratory disorders (asthma, COPD), Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease, urge incontinence, psychiatric disorders, depression, mydriasis, and allergies.
Option C: Antipsychotic drugs are inappropriate because clients who experience panic attacks aren’t psychotic. First and second-generation antipsychotics (except clozapine) are indicated for the treatment of an acute episode of psychoses as well as maintenance therapy of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.
Option D: Mood stabilizers aren’t indicated because panic attacks are rarely associated with mood changes. One of the strongest indications for the use of mood stabilizers is bipolar disorder, a mood disorder of two types. Bipolar I disorder is defined by at least one-lifetime manic episode, while bipolar II disorder is defined by at least one past or present hypomanic episode with at least one past or present major depressive episode.