Antidepressents have major effects on metabolism and other systems. Definitely a risk, and I have not ever seen it assist with metabolic healing (usually the opposite). Your decision of course, but bear in mind therapists and doctors love to recommend these meds without discussing all of the risks. At the very least, people should be aware they are very dependence-causing and tough to get off for many people (in some cases impossible).
I stopped my own panic attacks 100% by CBT methods. It can be done. I do still get anxiety, but no more panic attacks, and it’s manageable. I highly recommend that you buy “Hope and Help for your Nerves” by Claire Weeks. It is a book from the 1960s, and frankly her writing style is a little annoying, but her lessons are genius. Basically, you can stop panic attacks and manage anxiety by ceasing to fight and resist it, and she walks you through it. It is a very cheap solution.