Information On The Drugs Used To Treat Anxiety

Medication can relieve some of the anxiety symptoms. However, it needs to be combined with specific therapies to guarantee a continuing and lasting success, because medication alone does not cure the underlying problems of anxiety disorders. And let's not forget the risk of possible side effects as well as, sometimes, becoming addictive, making it difficult to stop taking it. Therefore, if you are experiencing some kind of social anxiety or if you are already treating severe anxiety, you might be wondering what type of medications you may be using. Anxiety treatment can include medication like benzodiazepines, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) or Buspirone (BuSpar).

Nowadays, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are very popular, because they have fewer side effects than MAOIs. SSRIs are used for depression and to treat some anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Side effects can include sleeping problems, headaches, fatigue and increased sweating as well as the occasional occurance of not being able to properly function sexually. Selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors are a type of antidepressant used to address clinical depression as well as certain anxiety disorders and social phobias. Possible side effects are similar to the SSRIs' ones.

Benzodiazepines are antidepressant drugs, prescribed to minimize anxiety, to relieve stress and relax the body and to help people sleep well. However, they should only be taken for short time periods, since it is possible to develop a dependency on it. Furthermore, using benzodiazepines together with any other drug, including alcohol, can be harmful.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are one of the oldest type of antidepressants and are typically applied whenever other antidepressants have not been successful. They are used less frequently because they usually interact with specific foods, including matured cheeses and red wine. Therefore, MAOIs require stringent dietary restrictions. MAOIs can also cause serious unwanted reactions when taken with many other medications, like several over-the-counter cough and cold treatments. MAOIs are mainly used for atypical depression. MAOIs can have some side effects, including rapid heartbeat, dizziness and acute high blood pressure.

Beta blockers are usually used to deal with performance anxiety, for example if someone has difficulties in speaking publicly. They can lessen palpitations and prevent tremor. In general, beta blockers cannot be used by asthmatics, diabetics or people experiencing various types of heart problems.

Tricyclic antidepressants are quite effective, but have generally been replaced by antidepressants that cause fewer side effects. However, they are still an excellent choice to reduce depression in particular cases where other remedies were unsuccessful. Side effects may vary depending on the brand used and can contain drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, palpitations, low blood pressure and increased appetite.

Buspirone is especially successful for people experiencing generalized anxiety of a limited or moderate degree. It may help people to think more clearly, to unwind, to worry less, and to take part in everyday life. Furthermore, it could help improve symptoms of depression in people affected by generalized anxiety disorder. However, buspirone is not very effective for persons suffering from severe anxiety, panic disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Side effects may include nervousness, dizziness, headache, nausea and tremors.

The effectiveness of all drugs used to treat anxiety will differ from person to person. Therefore, it is important discussing the various treatment options available with a healthcare professional. You may have to try out several choices before eventually discovering the right one suitable for your specific condition. Finally, applying a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy together with the appropriate anxiety drug treatment will definitely be of great help for anyone suffering from anxiety.

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