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Panic Disorder Psychiatrist in Derby CT

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Panic Disorder Psychiatrist Serving Derby, CT — Medication Management That Actually Explains Itself

If you've had a panic attack — the racing heart, the chest tightening, the absolute certainty that something catastrophic is happening — you already know it's not just "anxiety." It's physical and terrifying. And if you're somewhere in the Naugatuck Valley, trying to hold down work and family and still manage attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, you're probably exhausted. The good news: panic disorder responds well to the right medication. Not a sedative. Not something that dulls you. But an SSRI or SNRI that — over a few weeks — turns down the volume on your nervous system's false alarms. At Elite Health LLC, Sindhia Shyras, APRN works with Derby-area patients via telehealth to figure out what that looks like for you specifically. She's a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience — and she'll tell you exactly what to expect, week by week.

Panic disorder psychiatrist serving Derby CT — SSRI and SNRI medication management

How SSRIs and SNRIs Work for Panic — And Why It Takes Time

SSRIs like sertraline and escitalopram, and SNRIs like venlafaxine, are considered first-line treatments for panic disorder. They work by gradually reducing your nervous system's baseline reactivity — so those false-alarm signals fire less often and with less intensity. But they're not instant. Most people need four to six weeks before they notice a real shift. And here's the part nobody warns you about: the first week or two can feel slightly worse. A little more jittery, maybe more on edge. That's temporary — it's not the medication failing. Your provider will walk you through exactly what's normal and what's worth calling about.

What About Benzodiazepines? A Straight Answer

Benzodiazepines — like lorazepam or clonazepam — do work fast. If panic attacks are happening daily and you need immediate relief while an SSRI or SNRI builds up, a short-term bridge prescription can make sense. But they come with real risks: your body builds tolerance quickly, and stopping them abruptly isn't safe. They're a short bridge, not a long road. Sindhia Shyras is honest about the tradeoffs — she won't dismiss the option, but she'll be direct about the plan. For most Derby patients, the goal is to get you stable on something sustainable. Benzos aren't that.

Medication Makes Therapy Work Better — Not the Other Way Around

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: panic disorder treatment works best when medication and therapy happen together. When your nervous system is still in a constant state of high alert, it's hard to absorb anything — let alone practice the cognitive tools that actually retrain how you respond to panic cues. An SSRI or SNRI lowers that baseline enough that the work becomes possible. So think of medication as the thing that clears the table — not the whole meal. Whether you're near Derby Greenway or commuting from across the Ansonia border, telehealth means you don't have to travel to New Britain to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honestly? Four to six weeks for most people — sometimes a little longer. The first couple of weeks can feel rough. You might feel more anxious, not less. That's pretty common and it does pass. By week three or four, most people start noticing that the attacks are coming less often, or that when something triggers them, the spike doesn't go as high. By week six, you should have a clearer picture of whether the medication is working for you. Your provider will check in during that window so you're not guessing alone.

That's one of the most common concerns — and it's worth taking seriously. SSRIs and SNRIs aren't sedatives. They're not supposed to flatten you. What they do is reduce the nervous system's background noise so that panic isn't running the show. Some people do notice emotional blunting at higher doses, and if that happens, it's something to bring up. The goal is to feel more like yourself — not less. If a dose or medication isn't right, there are other options, and your provider will work through that with you.

Yes — Elite Health offers telehealth across all of Connecticut, so you can meet with Sindhia Shyras from home. Your initial psychiatric evaluation, follow-up appointments, and medication management can all happen that way. If you'd prefer to come in person at some point, the New Britain office is available too. Most Derby-area patients find telehealth easier — especially when panic symptoms are making it hard to leave the house in the first place.

Ready to Talk About Medication for Panic Disorder?

Sindhia Shyras, APRN sees patients from Derby and across Connecticut via telehealth — no commute, no waiting room. Book a psychiatric evaluation and find out whether an SSRI or SNRI is the right next step for you.

Questions first? Call 860-515-8689.
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Husky Health, Medicaid, United Healthcare, Anthem, ConnectiCare, and self-pay.

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