Panic disorder is a specific type of
anxiety disorder. People with panic disorder have recurrent, unexpected feelings of extreme fear and dread that strike for no apparent reason, causing their heart to race, rapid breathing, sweating, and shakiness. These "attacks" can send people to the hospital believing they are having a
heart attack. A
panic attack may even occur when the person is not in a situation that would normally create stress, anxiety, or fear.
Sometimes, people deal with panic disorder by avoiding situations and places that may lead to a
panic attack. This, combined with the fear of having a panic attack in public, can lead people to avoid social interaction and can cause people to become "housebound." This problem is known as
agoraphobia and often accompanies panic disorder. This medication can be used to treat people with or without agoraphobia.
(Click Klonopin Uses for information on treating panic disorder with Klonopin, to learn about other approved uses for this medication, and to find out if this drug can be used for "off-label" purposes.)
