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Anxiety Medication

 
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Anti-anxiety medication is not the only treatment option for those suffering from anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of therapy such as creative arts therapies and exercise can also be wonderfully beneficial.

However, anti-anxiety medication is often a fantastic piece of the treatment program, allowing people to lessen their anxiety and to respond to the events occurring in everyday life with a much more easy going, balanced approach.

Anti-anxiety medication is not something that is difficult to ask for in this day and age. There is much less stigma attached to mental health problems, and doctors are more educated about how to direct their patients in the proper direction when it comes to anti-anxiety drugs.

Medication for anxiety doesn’t have to be taken in large doses. Depending on the situation, it can be taken in low doses or even as needed.

The following are some of the most commonly used anti-anxiety drugs, known as benzodiazepines: Ativan, Centrax, Dalmane, Klonopin, Librium, Paxipam, Restoril, Serax, Tranxene, Xanax.
While benzodiazepines tend to be used often in the treatment of anxiety, there are also many anti-anxiety medications which are not in this drug class.

Depending on the physical and psychological profile of the person taking the medication, varying drug types may be prescribed. Some, like benzodiazepines are more habit-forming than others.

The other types of medications used for treating anxiety can include beta blockers, such as Inderal or Tenormin. Some others are non-addictive tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Adapin , Anafranil, Elavil, Janimine, Ludiomil, Pamelor, Pertofrane, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil and Vivactil.


Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also used, although they are not the "go-to" choice of most. They are often used when antidepressants have not worked, and are more often chosen to relieve the symptoms of panic disorder. These include Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil and Parnate.


The most widely-used drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, and include Celexa, Desryl, Effexor, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft. These drugs are used with great success all around the world in treating anxiety, depression and OCD.

Historically, anticonvulsants were used to treat epilepsy. Recent studies have proven their effectiveness for panic attacks and anxiety as well. These include Neurontin and valproic acid.

It is recommended to follow a doctor’s program for your medication very closely if taking these anti-anxiety medications. It can be dangerous for you to abruptly decide to stop taking them, causing physical side effects such as nausea and dizziness, fatigue and even depression. The side effects of anti-anxiety medications can include memory loss, slurred speech, depression and fatigue, weight gain, nausea and stomach upset.

It is not recommended to take anti-anxiety medication with other types of medication, so you need to be really honest with anyone prescribing you medication about whatever else you may be taking.

Remember that side effects from any type of medication can be serious and it is important to monitor changes in mood, affect and physical symptoms closely.

Aimee Boyle is a regular contributor to EmpowHER

Sources:

HelpGuide.org. Anxiety Medication. What You Need To Know About Anti Anxiety Drugs. Retrieved from the internet on October 24, 2011
http://helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_medication_drugs_treatment.htm

PsyWeb.com. Anti-Anxiety Drugs: Benzodiazepines. Retrieved from the internet on October 24, 2011.
http://www.psyweb.com/drughtm/jsp/menus/benzo.jsp

Anxiety Secrets. The Medication Lounge. Retrieved from the internet on October 24, 2011
http://www.anxietysecrets.com/loungeFrame-11.htm

Aimee Boyle is a regular contributor to EmpowHER

Reviewed November 3, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment2 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Diazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Anxietydrugstore.wordpress.com/

November 24, 2011 - 10:42am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Heart racing, and sweating of the hands and underarms to where I can't shake anyone's hands. I have had numerous doctors give me medications to cope, however the best thing that works is exercise. The medications make you sleepy and the best advice is to take a stress test by your doctor.

Robert Sulca
http://anxietydrugstore.wordpress.com/

November 18, 2011 - 1:32pm
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