The two types of medicines used most often are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Some people use both.

Antidepressants. These include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline. These are the most common medicines for panic disorder.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as clomipramine or imipramine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Antidepressants with mixed neurotransmitter effects, such as venlafaxine.

Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or clonazepam. They are sometimes used for panic disorder. They may be used alone or with an antidepressant.
These drugs can help you feel better right away. They may also be used as a part of long-term treatment, either alone or with an antidepressant.

They may be especially helpful if you have agoraphobia .

They can be taken as needed. But they can cause addiction (dependence). Symptoms often come back when you stop taking them.