Anxiety And Stress
Posts tagged Anxiety Medications
Side Effects Of Anti Anxiety Drugs
Apr 26th
For anyone suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety attacks and other similar mental disorders, the desire to find some relief is very important. However there are many different drugs that are available in the market today and finding one that works for you can be a bit daunting. The best way to find the right anti anxiety drugs for you is to talk with your doctor and find a treatment that will alleviate your problems.
If you’re interested, the medical reasoning behind anti anxiety drugs shows they have certain chemicals within them that produce a calming and relaxing effect on the patient. There are however some side effects from these drugs and it’s therefore best to consult with your medical practitioner before you begin a course of treatment with any anti anxiety meds.
The traditional way to treat anxiety used to be with anxiolytics, which were anti anxiety agents. Today while these anxiety drugs are still used there are other methods that are also used. For many people however, treating their excessive anxiety with anti anxiety drugs is the most proven way of reducing their symptoms and allowing them to lead normal lives.
The most popular anxiolytics today is Benzodiazepines. Others like Alprazolam (Xanax) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are also used. Valium (Diazepam) is still widely used to treat the symptoms of anxiety; however its active agent desmethyldiazepam, makes the choice of Valium a dubious relief format.
Other types of anxiety medications are serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The brand names that are given include Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine and others. These SSRIs have milder forms of side effects than that of the usual anti anxiety drugs, and there is also less chance of becoming dependent upon these drugs. The main drawback to SSRIs is that you must take them continuously for up to three to five weeks before any sign of improvement begins to show.
While there are known and reported side effects from the continued use of Benzodiazepines and Buspirones, people suffering from milder complaints can use these anti anxiety drugs without becoming overly addicted to them. Benzodiazepines can be given at least 30 to 60 minutes before a person suffering from anxiety is exposed to any stressful situations. Buspirones take at least 2 to 3 weeks before an improvement can be seen.
You should also be aware of the side effects that some of these anti anxiety drugs can have on you, especially if you suffer from certain medical conditions or suffer from allergic reactions to certain drugs, or are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you’re a breast feeding mother. As with all drugs and treatments you should always consult with your doctor prior to taking any medication. It is hopeful that talking with your doctor will provide you with the information necessary to help reduce and cure your anxiety successfully.
Information About Anxiety Medications Patients Need To Know
Mar 4th
It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans suffer from the effects of various anxiety disorders. The particular triggers and even some of the symptoms can vary depending on the exact disorder, but most patients find their ability to enjoy life is greatly sidetracked when one of these disorders is present. To help patients overcome some of the symptoms and work through therapy, many doctors prescribe medications. There is some basic information about anxiety medications that patients must be aware of before taking any prescriptions for any anxiety disorders.
Asking doctor questions about anxiety medications he is about to prescribe is so important, it might even save person’s life. Here some common questions that can provide patients with insight and valuable information about anxiety medications. These questions should be asked regardless of which the particular medications is about to be prescribed:
* What is the brand name of the medication you are prescribing?
It is important for patients to know the exact name of the medication they are supposed to get and whether or not generic equivalents are available.
* What is the exact dosing I should take and how many times a day?
This information about anxiety medications can make or break their ability to function. With certain medications it is very important to take exactly the right dose at the right times each day.
* What precautions should I take when on this medication?
Some anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a doctor can be depressants, sometimes
referred to as sedatives
and tranquilizers. These substances slow down normal
brain function. Why it is very important to watch for side effects, avoid alcohol and not operate heavy machinery. Side effects can also include dizziness and drowsiness.
* Are there medications I should avoid while taking the prescription ?
Most anxiety medications can have bad interactions with other prescription, herbal or even OTC medications. So any combination of anxiety medication with
other medications must be under
a physician’s close supervision. Typically, anxiety medications should not
be combined with any other
medication or substance for treating anxiety, prescription pain
medicines, plus some OTC cold
and allergy medications. This alone is a very valuable information about anxiety medications patients should be aware of.
* How long should I take this medication?
Despite many beneficial effects, anxiety medication might be potentially addictive. Ideally, they should be prescribed for short-term use only. Prolonged use can lead to physical
dependence and – when
use is reduced or stopped -
withdrawal. Withdrawal from some anxiety medications can have life-threatening complications.
Therefore, patients should be aware of the potential for addiction and understand the need to discontinue use after a certain period of time.
* What kind of results should I see?
Anxiety medications are not meant to be a panacea. In most cases, they are meant to lessen the worst symptoms and allow for other forms of treatment to have a chance to work.
* What else should I be doing?
In most cases, anxiety medications are meant to supplement other forms of therapy. Patients can achieve some peace of mind. It allows them to implement other techniques needed to regain control of their lives. Pursuing other forms of treatment, besides taking anxiety medications, is invaluable for coping with anxiety disorders.
Patients who arm themselves with information about anxiety medications and what they can and cannot do are one step ahead in the battle against their condition. Taking the right steps to ensure medications work and other forms of therapy are pursued can help many patients overcome the symptoms that control their lives.