The drug is not addictive, although some patients feel so good on it that they really don't want to stop taking it. I would really try and see how you feel on the drug. The only way to see the difference is to try it. I have had amazing stories from patients who have fought this problem all their life. They really never knew what it felt like to not have the problem, so give it a go.
Panic attacks are extemely common and unfortunately tend to be very debilitating.
They tend to be precipitated by situational clues-closed spaces, heights, etc and also tend to run in families. The individual often feels like they are going to die. Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, choking, chest pain, etc. are the common signs. Some individuals will awake at night with the above symptoms thought to be triggered by different sleep stages. Treatment involves making the right diagnosis and ensuring that cardiac conditions, thyroid conditions or other medical causes are not the cause.