Editing Panic attack (section)

=== Medication ===
Medication options for panic attacks typically include benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines are being prescribed less often because of their potential side effects such as [[Benzodiazepine dependence|dependence]], fatigue, slurred speech, and memory loss.<ref name="Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of p">{{cite journal |last1=Batelaan |first1=Neeltje M. |last2=Van Balkom |first2=Anton J. L. M. |last3=Stein |first3=Dan J. |title=Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: an update |journal=The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology |date=April 2012 |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=403–415 |doi=10.1017/S1461145711000800 |pmid=21733234 |doi-access=free |hdl=1871/42311 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Antidepressant treatments for panic attacks include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and [[MAO inhibitor|monoamine oxidase inhibitor]]s (MAOIs).<ref name="pmid12197851" /> 

SSRIs in particular tend to be the first drug treatment used to treat panic attacks. SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants appear similar for short-term efficacy.<ref name="pmid12197851">{{cite journal |last1=Bakker |first1=A. |last2=Van Balkom |first2=A. J. L. M. |last3=Spinhoven |first3=P. |title=SSRIs vs. TCAs in the treatment of panic disorder: a meta-analysis |journal=Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica |date=2002 |volume=106 |issue=3 |pages=163–167 |doi=10.1034/j.1600-0447.2002.02255.x |pmid=12197851 |s2cid=26184300 }}</ref>

SSRIs carry a relatively low risk since they are not associated with much [[Drug tolerance|tolerance]] or [[Substance dependence|dependence]], and have a more tolerable side effect profile. TCAs are similar to SSRIs in their many advantages but come with more common side effects such as weight gain and cognitive disturbances. MAOIs are generally suggested for patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment.<ref name="pmid18728820">{{cite journal |last1=Marchesi |first1=Carlo |title=Pharmacological management of panic disorder |journal=Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment |date=March 2008 |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=93–106 |doi=10.2147/ndt.s1557 |pmid=18728820 |pmc=2515914 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

While the use of drugs in treating panic attacks can be very successful, it is generally recommended that people also be in some form of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Drug treatments are usually used throughout the duration of panic attack symptoms and discontinued after the patient has been free of symptoms for at least six months. It is usually safest to discontinue these drugs [[Tapering (medicine)|gradually]] while undergoing therapy.<ref name="Panic disorder"/> While drug treatment seems promising for children and adolescents, they are at an increased risk of suicide while taking these medications and their well-being should be monitored closely.<ref name=pmid18728820/>