I have to take them for long periods in my life. Meds literally saved my life. The trick is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable in the differences in each med. GP's in my experience have a very limited knowledge on how to manage those meds in their patients. But they will generally start you on a low dose. You can get off of them. I have but then a death in the family occurred and I found myself feeling those dark thoughts again so I wasted no time in starting back up. It isn't the cure all though, meds with therapy work best.
Oh and panic attacks and depression go hand in hand. I had horrible ones. In your case, I would definately suggest looking into medication. Only those who get them really understand how awful they feel. Like I said, you most likely will be able to get off meds, many people do. You may be like me and need them when huge stressors start taking over your life.
good luck