Xanax

It can happen anytime, anywhere — when you're alone, with others, at home, in public, even awakening you from a sound sleep. Suddenly, your heart begins to race, your face flushes and you experience shortness of breath. You feel dizzy, nauseated and out of control. Some people even feel like they're dying.
You may have experienced a panic attack — a sudden episode of intense fear that prompts severe physical reactions in your body. Many people, thinking they're having a heart attack, go to the emergency room. Others try to ignore the signs and symptoms, not realizing that they're experiencing a panic attack.
More women than men are affected by panic attacks. Some people are affected by frequent panic attacks, a condition known as panic disorder.
Although panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, they're now recognized as a potentially disabling, but treatable condition. A variety of approaches, including medications, therapy and relaxation techniques, can help you control or prevent panic attacks.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack often begins abruptly, peaks within 10 minutes and lasts about half an hour. But panic attacks have many variations. They may last hours or, on rare occasions, up to a day. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.

Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication, such as sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) or fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem). Antidepressant medications usually improve or eliminate the symptoms of panic attacks. To relieve anxiety, your doctor may prescribe a type of medication called a benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin) or alprazolam (Xanax), either alone or with other drugs. The effectiveness of benzodiazepines often varies, and they may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses. If you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on a benzodiazepine medication, check with your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly. The duration of drug treatment for panic attacks depends on the severity of your disorder and your response to treatment.