Taking Medication

To me this is a very personal decision..you alone are the one who knows weather or not medication is the right step for you. Me personally I have tried both ways...and have settled in the middle. I spot treat with Xanax and have used Ativan too. I only use it when I am having a bad panic attack to regain control much faster until I learn all I need to learn and can get along without. However I take the meds very rarely.
That aside I do believe you can tackle panic attacks and anxiety without them but again that is just such a personal decision and varies greatly from person to person. You are not a failure if you need meds to get back up on your feet. Look at it as a little jump start to recovery. There are many side effects with the antidepressants. Some may even exasperate your anxiety at first until your body gets used to it. You may even have to try several different kinds before you find the one that works for you. The benzodiazepines like Xanax and Ativan are highly addictive and should be used with care. They are very effective however in the treatment of panic and generalized anxiety disorder. If you use a therapist and are engaging in exposure therapy they are a great help. As you expose yourself to newer and more challenging situations they are great at helping you regain your feeling of control until you learn how to do it on your own. For every individual your journey is your own and you should do your research and ask your doctor questions on what to expect and how long they think you will be on the meds. Don't assume just because they are a doctor they know what is best for you. That is most certainly not the case and they are not God.
For me personally I feel that the antidepressants are putting a band aid on the problem. I feel and have experienced there effect. I did use Prozac and the side effects for about the first month were horrible but it did work for me and I went about 8-10 years with no more panic. It did return though and it seemed even more ruthless. So for me this time around no antidepressants just exercise, healthy diet, meditation with biofeedback and a good therapist and most important support from friends and family. It is definitely no fast track...but aren't good things worth waiting for and worth a little more effort. There is no timeline for learning and the suffering is up to me and how I view this obstacle. We all have obstacles no one is exempt but they add to our character and our compassion for others.