Anxiety And Stress
Posts tagged Doctors
Ways to combat anxiety attacks – Part 2
Jul 22nd
The psychiatric world has become more sophisticated since I experienced anxiety attacks (also called panic attacks) when I was in my 20s. Back in the 1970s, not much was known about the reasons for anxiety attacks or what to do about them.
I had moved by myself from the East Coast to the West Coast after graduating from college and I was worried and fearful because I did not yet know what direction my life would take, nor did I have any friends in the area.
I had my first anxiety attack while walking on a public sidewalk. My breathing had become shallow and rapid because of my anxiety. The hyperventilating caused me to feel shaky, unreal, and lightheaded. My heart raced. My hands felt cold and clammy. I thought I was going to die, or at least pass out. I immediately returned to the safety of my rented room, where I recovered within a few minutes.
This scary experience set me up for future anxiety attacks. I developed agoraphobia-a fear of public places-because that’s where I always seemed to have them. When I told a doctor about the strange episodes, he examined me and put me on a regimen of Valium, which helped for a while. For a time I was convinced I must have a serious disease to cause the symptoms I had, and I visited a number of doctors. This is common among anxiety attack sufferers. I also began to drink wine and beer to try to relax, something I would not recommend as a treatment. I tried an herbal remedy, valerian root, as well as a homeopathic remedy called Calms Forte, with mixed results.
Ironically, I served in the Peace Corps and traveled a lot during the years that I suffered anxiety attacks. I coped as well as I could-sometimes not very well at all-and eventually taught myself to control them by breathing slowly and evenly whenever I became panicky. It worked. I haven’t had an anxiety attack in decades. To this day, whenever I feel anxious, I automatically slow down my breathing.
Most of us are anxious or fearful about something at one time or another, but when the natural “fight-or-flight” response to danger becomes overwhelming, unpredictable, and prevents you from living your life and interacting with others, you need help. Panic attacks can result from bad family situations, hereditary factors, abnormal brain chemistry, personal trauma, or damaging personality traits, and they need to be evaluated.
Not everyone who suffers from anxiety attacks has all the same symptoms, but most have at least
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.