How to treat panic attacks in a 18-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 18-year-old, male and I have been suffering from panic attacks for the last two to three months. I do not have any physical problems except the following symptoms. The symptoms are fear of loss of control or death, feeling of unreality or detachment, pounding heart rate, sense of impending danger, shortness of breath or tightness in the throat, dizziness, etc. These symptoms occur mainly at night. Now, I am only taking Propranolol hydrochloride 20 mg three times a day. I have been taking this medicine for the last 25 days. But still, I get panic attacks. Which medicine should I take?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation. you may have panic attack disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it, you should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you. You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes like at least going for a walk. You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, just sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing. Do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts, just let them be. it will help you to relax. You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods. You must drink enough water. You should spend quality time with friends and family daily. You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments. You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily. You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse. Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident. You must start a tablet of Escitalopram 10 mg daily in the morning after breakfast and a tablet of Clonazepam mouth dissolving 0.25 mg when you have a panic attack. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope that you get your answer.

Thank you.