As you now know, agoraphobia is a panic disorder that is treatable. Two of the most common types of medication that are given to patients are benzodiazepine tranquilizers and anti depressants. While there are known to be side effects and complications in using them, doctors say that this is normal and that they will subside after some time. It is a small price to pay if you want to feel better if you have been diagnosed with agoraphobia.

Some examples of benzodiazepine tranquilizers include Ativan, Klonopin, Serax, Tranxene and Valium. Two of the fastest acting among them is Dalane and Temazepam because they are designed to suppress the activity in the central nervous system. The danger with them is that they can be addictive and tolerant.

Then there are the antidepressants. Examples of these are MAO inhibitor depressants, cyclic depressants and SSRI's or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Cyclic depressants are designed to affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. A good example of this is Effexor that should not be taken with other kinds of medication. It is very powerful so you have to be very careful since it makes the individual more susceptible to suicide.

Serotonin is called the brain's happy drug and although this is produced in the body, if the person does not get a sufficient amount, this often leads to anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Two of the most popular brands include Prozac and Zoloft.

The first one is no longer used to treat agoraphobia. The second and third are able to reduce the intensity and frequency of these attacks that are also effective in treating depression. These are prescribed medications so the doctor has to sign for it.

There are also beta blockers that are used to control the physical symptoms often experienced during an anxiety attack. These are very helpful because you won't have difficulty breathing or have heart palpitations.

You may ask if there are side effects in using any of these drugs? The answer is yes and some of the things you may experience are constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased libido, ejaculatory experiences, excessive sweating, headaches, insomnia, nervousness, sexual dysfunction, tremors and weight gain.

Of the side effects mentioned, you will probably feel one or two of them and if you are lucky none at all. Knowing these facts should make you consider the risks before taking it.

Because some of the medication for agoraphobia is addictive, some patients have experienced withdrawal problems. One way to avoid this is by reducing the dosage gradually for several weeks with the help of your doctor.

A few other precautions which you have to keep in mind before taking any medication is to avoid activities that require mental alertness and coordination, do not consume any alcohol and make sure that any other medication you take will not complicate or make matters worse. The same goes for women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Medication for agoraphobia is not the cure because it can only reduce the symptoms. This means it can only give you short-term relief which is why other treatments are needed to go deeper into the problem. When these two are used together, the chances of being cured become much higher. It will take some time to figure out which is the best combination so you have to be patient.

Some examples of these treatments include CBT or cognitive behavioral treatment, hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy and a lot more. Numerous studies have been done on each one that proves that it does work.

The effects of medication for agoraphobia should be visible in the first two months. There should be some improvement by then but if there is none, the doctor will either increase the dosage or prescribe something else. So make sure that you visit the clinic regularly or call if it is necessary.

There are some people who believe that medication for agoraphobia robs the person's ability of building the necessary confidence to overcome the problem. Perhaps in the beginning that might be true but it is just the first phase so you can feel better after weeks and months of treatment.