Which medication will your doctor prescribe for you? Each drug has advantages and disadvantages. Some work faster; some require more frequent dosing. Some may have side effects that you’ll find intolerable, while others have few side effects. The length of drug therapy varies with each individual and with the severity of the disorder. While some therapies may last months (or longer), other courses of treatment may be short. Regardless of what therapy your doctor prescribes, it’s important to follow his or her instructions carefully to avoid any potentially life-threatening interactions.

Here are a few basic guidelines to consider and remember when taking your medications:

Side Effects

Many individuals can take medicines commonly used to treat panic disorder without any problems. Sometimes, however, there are side effects associated with medications that may trouble some people. While the severity of the side effects may vary with the drug type, most side effects will disappear in the first week or two of treatment. If the side effects persist or begin interfering with your daily activities, tell your doctor. A change in dosage may be needed, or perhaps even a change in medication type.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

The effectiveness of the medication your doctor prescribes depends not only on the correct dosage but on when you take it. Making sure the right amount of medication is in your blood is an important part of therapy. Don’t deviate from your doctor’s instructions. Don’t crush or break the pills. If for some reason you can’t stick to the schedule required for the medication, tell your doctor. While changes are not always possible, sometimes your doctor may be able to offer a dosing schedule that may be easier for your lifestyle.

Don’t Abruptly Stop Taking Your Medication

Your body can develop a physical dependence on certain medications. That is, your body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug. Abruptly stopping or cutting down on the prescribed dosage may cause discontinuation symptoms that can be unpleasant and even dangerous.

Because medications like barbiturates and benzodiazepines work by slowing brain activity, when a person stops taking them, the brain’s activity can rebound and race out of control, possibly leading to seizures and other harmful consequences. In the case of withdrawal from anti-anxiety medications, “rebound anxiety”—a relapse or recurrence of the original anxiety disorder—can also occur.

If you are thinking about discontinuing therapy, you should speak with your doctor first. Following the prescribing physician’s instructions correctly and reducing the dosage gradually can diminish discontinuation symptoms.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your General Health

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly are prime examples of individuals who need special attention when receiving therapy for panic disorder. If there’s something your doctor doesn’t know about your present, past, or even future health (eg, a woman who is pregnant or attempting to become pregnant, or perhaps you’re “borderline” for high blood pressure), tell him or her.

Stick to Your Treatment Plan

Don’t be tempted to “catch up” and double your dosage if you miss part of your schedule. Doing so may put you at risk for an adverse reaction. Don’t cut down or stop taking your medication until you’ve discussed it with your doctor. Cutting dosages or stopping medications too abruptly can cause symptoms to return or can result in possible discontinuation symptoms.