HomeAnswersPsychiatrypanic attackWhich is better for panic attacks and anxiety, Paroxetine or Sertraline?

I took Sertraline for my recurring panic attacks and felt weird. Should I switch to Seroxat?

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Published At June 30, 2021
Reviewed AtJune 30, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 24 years old, and I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks since I was young. Every couple of years, my anxiety gets bad to the point where I feel like I need medication to help me. Five years back, I went to a therapist, and I was diagnosed with panic attack disorder and prescribed Seroxat 25 mg. It helped me, and I took it for a year, then I stopped it. At this point in my life, I have started to suffer again from panic attacks and anxiety. The symptoms are sudden fear for no reason, heart racing, and the worst sign that everything is weird to me, myself, my family, everything. I feel confused and scared that I will lose my mind, which makes me more anxious. I cannot go to a therapist now, and I do not want to retake Seroxat because of its side effects. Feeling sleepy all the time, weight gain, low concentration,

So I have decided to take Sertraline 25 mg (as my father is also diagnosed with anxiety and panic attacks disorder, was prescribed Sertraline 25 mg and has been taking it for a couple of years, and I thought that it might work for me too because of the genetics). I started taking it two days ago, and I think that I am feeling worst and do not feel myself; I feel weird. Should I continue it for a week to start working? Or should I switch to Seroxat?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query. I can understand your situation. you have panic disorder. If you are feeling better on Sertraline, then you must go for it instead of Seroxat (Paroxetine). You can take a tablet of Clonazepam orally by dissolving 0.25 mg when you have a panic attack. It will immediately help you. There are also some non-pharmacological management for it. You can try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

  1. Exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes or at least go for a walk.
  2. Meditate for 20 minutes daily, sit in a comfortable position, and concentrate on your normal breathing. Do not force yourself to stop your thoughts. Let it be. It will help you to relax.
  3. Eat healthy home-cooked foods, avoid junk foods.
  4. Drink enough water.
  5. Spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you live away from your family.
  6. Spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
  7. Get seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
  8. Avoid tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.
  9. Live your life, do not spend it.
  10. Be bold and confident.

I hope that you get your answer. Please, let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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