Panic attacks and medication

1. Don't most panic attack medications cause memory issues? I'm worried if I begin a medication regime that it will hinder my ability to study and recall.

No. I concentrate better on my medication and retain more information then when Im off my medication. I can't focus very well off my medication so trying to study is like trying to nail jello to a tree.

2. For those who take anxiety medications, on a scale of 1 to 10 how effective would you say it has been?

8 I am a firm believer in pharmacological therapy and cognitive behavior therapy combined, depending on the degree of anxiety and the individual. Right now I'm on a very low dose, after being off of it for awhile. I chose to go back on because of the stress of nursing school and what it could potentially do to my mental state. Too much stress and still trying to fine tune coping skills cause me to turn into a giant puddle of sobbing and being overwhelmed.

3. Is there any way to stop a panic attack without medicine...that actually works? I was completely unable to ward it off.

To stop a panic attack as it's occuring, many people wear rubberbands around their wrist and snap it during the attack to remind themselves that the panic is not real and everything is ok. For me, I just pinched myself or pressed a nail into my wrist (gently to not break the skin, but hard enough to inflict some sensation). I've used hair ties in place of rubberbands before.

To ward them off ahead of time, make sure you get plenty of sleep. Eat a well balanced diet....limit stressors. I have learned to now tell people "Sorry, I can't deal with that today" when it's a bad day and they want something. If it's a really bad day, I just treat myself well, take it easy and try enjoy something that makes me relaxed.

Exercise also works well. I also highly recommend meditation techniques to help you relax.