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Can Effexor Reduce Panic Attacks?

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Posted on Thu, 17 Aug 2017
Question: I am having a paniac attack and i have taken an efexor 37.5mg tablet will this help
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, Effexor won't help for this panic attack.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

No, Effexor will not help a current panic attack unfortunately. After you have been on it for around 4-6 weeks it may decrease the likelihood of panic attacks. But it won't help immediately.

For immediate help, a benzodiazepine such as Xanax or Ativan will help. You may want to talk with your doctor about having one of these on hand for panic attacks in the early phase of starting the Effexor.

In the meantime, focus on breathing such as counting 4 moderately slow breaths, counting them in and out, then repeat. Do this for 4-5 minutes, focusing on the breath going in and going out, and the count. This can help refocus the mind and help you get control of the out-of-control feeling.

Make sure to also ask your doctor to check your thyroid function with a blood test if he/she hasn't in the past, as thyroid problems can sometimes be an underlying medical cause of anxiety and panic attacks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (21 minutes later)
I have not received any answers?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
See answer written above.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Can you see the answer above?
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Can Effexor Reduce Panic Attacks?

Brief Answer: No, Effexor won't help for this panic attack. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, No, Effexor will not help a current panic attack unfortunately. After you have been on it for around 4-6 weeks it may decrease the likelihood of panic attacks. But it won't help immediately. For immediate help, a benzodiazepine such as Xanax or Ativan will help. You may want to talk with your doctor about having one of these on hand for panic attacks in the early phase of starting the Effexor. In the meantime, focus on breathing such as counting 4 moderately slow breaths, counting them in and out, then repeat. Do this for 4-5 minutes, focusing on the breath going in and going out, and the count. This can help refocus the mind and help you get control of the out-of-control feeling. Make sure to also ask your doctor to check your thyroid function with a blood test if he/she hasn't in the past, as thyroid problems can sometimes be an underlying medical cause of anxiety and panic attacks.