Pharmacotherapy for panic attack in adults and young people
If psychosocial interventions are not effective or preferred, short-term pharmacotherapy with a benzodiazepine may be appropriate. However, benzodiazepine use is associated with increased risk of falls, memory problems, motor vehicle accidents, daytime sedation and dependence. These risks are of particular concern in older people and people with a history of problem substance use; in these people, harms of benzodiazepine use may outweigh benefits (see Principles of benzodiazepine use in anxiety disorders).
If a benzodiazepine is considered appropriate for panic attack in an adult or young person, use:
1 clonazepam 250 to 500 micrograms orally, as a single dose; if required, repeat after 2 hours panic attack (adult) clonazepam clonazepam clonazepam
OR
1 diazepam 2 to 5 mg orally, as a single dose; if required, repeat after 2 hours panic attack (adult) diazepam diazepam diazepam
OR
1 lorazepam 0.5 to 1 mg orally, as a single dose; if required, repeat after 2 hours1. panic attack (adult) lorazepam lorazepam lorazepam
If a panic attack worsens or does not resolve despite using psychosocial and pharmacological treatment, manage as for an acute behavioural disturbance. See Approach to managing acute behavioural disturbance.