SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are two classes of antidepressants that are commonly prescribed to treat panic attacks. They are very effective, but in many patients if they are started at the usual starting doses used when treating depression, they may make panic attacks and overall anxiety worse initially. Therefore, the safest course of action is to start them at 1/4 to 1/2 of the normal starting doses initially and then increase them as necessary and as tolerated.
Some common examples:
Escitalopram (Lexapro): normal starting dose 10 mg, start at 5 mg or less.
Sertraline (Zoloft): normal starting dose is 50 mg, start at 25 mg or less.
Paroxetine (Paxil): normal starting dose 20 mg, start at 10 mg or less.
Fluoxetine (Prozac): normal starting dose 20 mg, start at 10 mg or less.
Citalopram (Celexa: normal starting dose 20 mg, start at 10 mg or less.
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I'm Dr. Jeff Knuppel, a psychiatrist (M.D.) with over 20 years of practice experience. I'm a licensed healthcare professional (physician) in Wisconsin, USA. My goal is to create helpful and interesting videos about mental health and self-improvement. If these topics interest you, please subscribe so that you don't miss any new videos when they are released. Thank you!
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