welcome
I was getting panic attacks almost every day but nobody knew what they were 40 years ago
you should get several books on overcoming panic disorder and agoraphobia and read them so you can help your husband, try to get him to read them also but he may become too panicky so you should read them to him
buspar is a tranquilliser of a different type to valium and is generally almost useless, has a very poor reputation in the anxiety self help community, but its heavily advertised to docs so I guess your doc listens to the drug companies more than he listens to his anxiety patients
the makers of buspar admit its not helpful for panic attacks too 
ativan will help and he should build up a stash of it in case doc decides to prescribe it no more
some ativan tablets disolved under his tongue will stop or greatly reduce any panic attack, so get him to carry a few tablets with him when out
the usual cautions about car driving, alcaol, etc apply
antidepressant meds are also popular for anxiety and panic attacks and will help a lot if one can be found that suits him, ther are several types other than SSRIs, its important to start at half the smallest effective dose and gradually work the dose up, early side effects should be coped with if possible
so when his next panic attack strikes, ativan under the tongue, and get him to accept, relax, to not tense up or fight back, and most importantly to breathe deep and slow, this breathing will calm him
BTW the panic attacks wont hurt him
stay with us 
recovered former longtime anxiety and panic attack sufferer and helper of other sufferers but no training or qualifications in medicine or psychology, any remarks that may be taken as advice must be confirmed with doctor or other health professional
Barbara
Swallow your pride, you will not die, it's not poison.- Bob Dylan
Dear Barbara,
Hello, and I am so sorry your husband is having problems.
Regarding the medication Buspar, I cannot say that it is a useless drug but IMO I would go with the Ativan. I do recall physicians ordering Buspar for the geriatric patients as it was not so sedating.
Please remember that none of us are experts and members opinions are just that, their opinions unless they have used a reputable source to validate their opinions.
Also, I would check with your physician before using an oral medication under your tongue. Some of the antianxiety meds come in a form to use under your tongue or sublingually.
My goal is to help you with your problems and to keep your husband safe.
Gentle Hugs.
Respectfully
Kitt
Dx: Anxiety/Panic, Depression
______________________________________________________
"If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”
~Rosalyn Carter
Thanks again.
Swallow your pride, you will not die, it's not poison.- Bob Dylan
Could you share with us your husband's history with the SSRI's? What med, what dosage, and how long was he on each.
They're notoriously tough for anxiety sufferers to get started on because initially they can actually INCREASE anxiety. But if you can get through the first 6-8 weeks and find the right one at that the right dosage, they can be very effective.
You're a good wife to look after your husband. You're to be commended.
Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn. Sea horses are the devil incarnate. Triangles can and will steal your soul given the opportunity.
*I've had Crohn's since I was eleven (that's seven years!)
Denim,
Could you share with us your husband's history with the SSRI's? What med, what dosage, and how long was he on each.
They're notoriously tough for anxiety sufferers to get started on because initially they can actually INCREASE anxiety. But if you can get through the first 6-8 weeks and find the right one at that the right dosage, they can be very effective.
You're a good wife to look after your husband. You're to be commended.
Swallow your pride, you will not die, it's not poison.- Bob Dylan
Respectfully
Kitt
Dx: Anxiety/Panic, Depression
______________________________________________________
"If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”
~Rosalyn Carter
Good Morning Barbara,
Swallow your pride, you will not die, it's not poison.- Bob Dylan
Barbara,
I have weaned from 40 mg Valium in divided doses to 9 mg of Valium at night only.
My other meds are Cymbalta 120 mg divided in 2 dose per day
Trazodone 150 mg at bed time. I think the Trazodone was the additional med that made the difference. It is being used off label for sleep and anxiety in my case.
I have more of a tendency to get anticipatory anxiety now, such as should I be on jury duty or opt out with letter from Pdoc? We discussed it and she said I certainly qualified for a letter to be excused but I wanted to try it. I was anxious waiting for the first day of jury duty to get here but once I was dressed and out the door no anxiety. Whooooooo Hooooooooo.
This is compared to November of 2005 when I would be so anxious just driving to work I would cry.
I also have been working with therapist since January of 2006. I have an appointment on Tuesday and I think she is going to cut me loose to come back whenever I feel I need.
There is hope, at one time I thought this depressed /anxious person was going to be me the rest of my life? 
No it is not, I can cope and I can let the tears flow if I need and then just wash my face and keep on going.
Bless you.
Respectfully
Kitt
Dx: Anxiety/Panic, Depression
______________________________________________________
"If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”
~Rosalyn Carter