Physicians don't read psychiatry though it is in their syllabus. That's why they are surprised when an antidepressant is prescribed. Most of the antidepressants are also anti anxiety disorder medications, according to international treatment guidelines. Mirtazepine is also an antidepressant which is very useful to treat panic disorder or anxiety disorder, especially those with pain or somatic symptoms. Be patient, all medications take at least 2weeks to start working. Take advice of your doctor if your problem is still unresolved. Usually it takes 1-2months for most of the anxiety and panic symptoms to resolve. In short term, you can take a small dose of beta blocker. All physicians prescribe Benzodiazepine group of meds as anxiolytics, thereby increasing dependence potential. Anti depressants are not addictive nor do they need to be taken life long. Misconceptions will worsen the situations or illnesses.

Hello.. First thing is you say you have anxiety and panic attacks and am surprised that you have been prescribed anti depressants ..so I think first we need to exine you and evaluate you for the issue then only I can comment on the medicine...yes the medicine dies have side effects in the long run...you may have to take this medicines from 15 days to 3 months...which will be slowly tapered down ..thank you