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Certain drugs may relieve anxiety attacks
Editor's note: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail on "Your Health," which airs at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturdays. Questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show. Q: Can the medication Zoloft be used for anxiety attacks? -- Lori in Illinois A: Well, Lori, speaking in a very generalized way, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, such as Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil and Luvox, have been shown to help reduce the number and severity of anxiety or panic attacks. Some patients respond better to one or another of the SSRIs. So sometimes finding the right drug is a matter of trial and error. Complicating the picture is the fact that these drugs may take up to six weeks to start working. SSRIs have fewer side effects than the old tricyclic antidepressants that are also used to treat panic attacks -- but they are hardly risk free: Side effects can include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, problems sleeping, drowsiness, irritability, shaky hands, headaches and loss of sexual desire or ability. Some people shouldn't use SSRIs and those already on the drug should never stop cold turkey. As always, talk to your doctor about your particular case. Q: What are the pros and cons on medicines to treat ADHD? -- Heather in Louisiana A: Good question, Heather. Stimulants such as Ritalin have been used for years to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, which affects millions of kids in the United States. Studies have shown that, in the "properly diagnosed" child, they are highly effective and new formulations make them easier to administer. And new drug options are in the pipeline. On the flip side though, there may be side effects and their long-term safety is unknown. Also, some children don't respond, and some parents may not want their child taking daily drugs. In those cases, another option is behavioral modification, which can also work well, but is more time-consuming and requires patience and skill. Most important is a good diagnosis that involves input from doctors, schools and parents. "Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.
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