Anxiety And Stress
Posts tagged Anti Anxiety
Effects of the Popular Anti-anxiety Drug Diazepam
Dec 14th
Over 10% of Americans are on some type of anti-anxiety drug. The most popular one today is Xanax but diazepam is not very far behind.
Many people experience some fear and some anxiety at various times in their lives. Those with anxiety disorders are affected by fear to such a degree that they can’t function or live a normal live without the help of drugs. One of the most effective and prevalent drugs for anxiety disorder is diazepam.
Diazepam, or Valium as most people commonly know it, is an anti-anxiety or anti-panic agent. It works by effecting the release of the amino acid GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) into the brain. GABA acts to suppresses the nerve impulses leading to a feeling of relaxation.
Although a very useful and positive drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders – as well as insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures – anyone taking it for anxiety should be aware of its negatives also.
Diazepam is habit forming and very addictive. Self medicating yourself with diazepam is a bad idea. because you can easily develop a dependency on it, especially if you take it in large doses over an extended period of time. Diazepam should only be taken under a doctor’s care and never take more than the prescribed dosage. Because of its addictive properties, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms when your doctor eventually weans you off of the drug.
Diazepam is hard on the kidneys and liver. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, any type of abnormal kidney function, or any other medical problems with your liver you should inform your doctor. Your dosage of diazepam may have to be severely cut or dropped altogether.
Diazepam may be taken with or without food. Diazepam is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of diazepam may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function.
Diazepam may cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Until you are sure how your body will react to diazepam, you should avoid driving, sports, or strenuous activities while taking it. One very striking effect of diazepam is that it accumulates in the body. So even if you haven’t taken it for the while, you may still find yourself tired or sluggish with not apparent reason why. It very well may be the build up of diazepam in your body.
Be aware that if you take antacids while taking diazepam, the antacids will act to neutralize the diazepam. Thus you may find the diazepam not having the desired calming effect on your nervous system.
Even though diazepam is sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, this should only be done under a doctor’s care. Normally, alcohol should not be taken by anyone on diazepam. Mixing the two could possibly trigger an epileptic attack.
Don’t take diazepam if you are pregnant or are breast feeding your baby unless directed to by your doctor. There is strong evidence that diazepam can harm the fetus. In the case of breast feeding, diazepam is retained in the breast milk, which means that it will be passed to the baby possibly causing addiction.
Diazepam is an extremely helpful drug and many suffering from anxiety would have a much tougher time without it. Just be careful when taking it.
What To Do In Case of A Sudden Anxiety Attack
Apr 19th
People with anxiety attacks are commonly prescribed with anxiolytics or anti-anxiety medications like Buspar and other similar drugs. But it isn’t always good to depend on medications to deal with such a psychological condition. What if you have a sudden anxiety attack and failed to take your medication? Would you simply cower in fear?
It’s a good thing that there are ways to make anxiety attacks more bearable without taking medications. Here are some simple tips on what to do in case of an anxiety attack:
Accept the fear, don’t deny it. Acknowledge what you are feeling and remind yourself that it will pass. Remember that your panic attacks have happened before and you have gotten through them unscathed. If you’re with someone, tell them that you’re experiencing a panic attack and that it will be okay.
Breathe in, breathe out. A lot of different anxiety counselors suggest different breathing techniques. Some suggest that you breathe slowly to the count of 4 while other suggest other deep breathing methods. But in the end, it all boils down to the fact that breathing will help you relax. Just breathe and feel the anxiety subside with every breath.
Get yourself busy. This works when accepting the anxiety and waiting for the attack to pass does not work. Grab a pen and start drawing, pick up a book and start reading, call a friend and talk about everyday stuff – just do anything that helps your mind deviate from the attack you’re having.
Walk it off. It may not be easy for an anxiety disorder sufferer to go out in public while he’s having an attack, but it’s a simple way to get yourself a bit of exercise which may help. Exercise triggers the production of endorphins which will help you feel better.
It is important for anxiety sufferers to know that developing coping techniques are important. Not only will it help them deal with the anxiety attack in a cam manner, it can also shorten the duration of the attack.