Anxiety Medication – The Different Types of Medication for Curing Anxiety

Generally, therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychoanalytic Therapy are preferred over medication for curing anxiety and other mental disorders. Medication is considered an effective option if therapies have not yielded expected results, or if the disorder is very severe and instant relief is needed. Relying on medication alone usually won’t be sufficient. It is always recommend combining medicines with other natural cures for anxiety.

There are many side effects of using these drugs such as dizziness, difficulty in sleeping, weight gain, stomach ache and irritability. Many of them are highly addictive in nature and some of them can cause withdrawal syndrome too. It is always best to consult your doctor before using any drugs.

Anxiety Medications

Antidepressants: Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety as well as depression.  These are sometimes considered a safer medicinal alternative, since they are less likely to form dependency.  On the down side, they can take up to a month to begin relieving symptoms.  Common antidepressants include Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft.  They try to regulate levels of serotonin in the brain.  Side effects of this medicine may include weight gain, dizziness, nausea, and nervousness.  Although dependency is less likely, withdrawal symptoms can still exist.  Stopping an anti-depressant too quickly can cause insomnia, depression, or symptoms of the flu.

Benzodiazepines:  These are also called Tranquilizers. They are work faster than antidepressants to reduce symptoms of anxiety and provide instant relief by slowing down the nervous system. Many come in the form of muscle relaxants or sleeping aids which include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.  Side effects from this family of drugs are known to include drowsiness, depression, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.  It can also lead to rage, aggression, hallucinations, and manic behavior.  Valium is one of the most popular drugs in this group and is known to harm the kidneys and the liver. A newly developed mild tranquilizer is Buspirone.  It increases serotonin levels and decreases dopamine.  It also takes a bit of time to begin working, but does not sedate a person, does not cause addiction, and has few withdrawal side effects.

Beta Blockers: These are actually a medication for hypertension. Two of the most well know Beta Blockers are Atenolol and Propranolol. They help to cure many symptoms of anxiety and phobias such as increased blood pressure, shaking, trembling and increased heartbeat which also resemble symptoms of hypertension. It is most commonly used to cope with performance anxiety by performers and musicians.

Tricyclic antidepressants: When other antidepressants are not effective, Trycyclic antidepressants may prove helpful although it is not as fast acting to treat anxiety symptoms compared to other anxiety remedies.  Doctors suggest very minimal doses of it to begin with before gradually increasing it as they cause many severe side effects. It takes time to reach sufficient amount of dose to relieve anxiety.

MAO Inhibiters: It is oldest type of drug used as antidepressant. It is very effective to change mood but it has many serious side effects. Due to this hazard it is used rarely by doctors.

Mood Stabilizers: When a person is suffering from mood swings due to bipolar disorder they are prescribed this medication. Otherwise they have very limited use to cure anxiety.

The Risks of Using Anxiety Medications

There are multiple risks that come with using anti-anxiety medication.  When combined with other substances or used on a daily basis, they can be extremely dangerous.  Statistics show that overdosing from anxiety medication is rare but when they are mixed with alcohol, sleeping pills, or antihistamines, they can be fatal.  This type of medicine should only be used if severe problems exist. It may be necessary to use medication to assist in the short term to help control symptoms but is not advised to be taken by elderly individuals, pregnant women, or those who have a history of substance abuse.

An Alternative: Natural Anxiety Remedies

Anxiety medication is not the total cure for the problem.  The actual reason for anxiety still exists.  Therapy and changes in lifestyle are necessary.  Behavioral therapy is often considered a better cure for anxiety than drugs.  Hypnosis, acupuncture, and meditation are also considered positive treatments.  Advantages of non-drug treatments include a long term way for curing anxiety.

Many people do not like the idea of using prescription drugs to treat anxiety problems.  There are a number of herbal and natural cures for anxiety that relax the body and mind.  Many herbs have been linked to creating the same sedating effects on the brain as common prescription pills. Kava kava, abundant in Polynesia, is known for its tranquilizing and calming effects.  When taken as a supplement, this herb may cause drowsiness, but no other lethal side effects are noted.  Healthy diet and exercise are two helpful items to combine with an herbal approach to treating anxiety.  Exercising regularly can improve overall mood and relieve certain tensions.  Eating a balanced diet can provide necessary nutrients which help to balance the body’s brain functions.

St. John’s Wort has also been studied in clinical trials to be just as effective as common medication to alleviate anxiety with less side effects.  However, this herb may cause other medicines to metabolize in the body at a faster rate.  Therefore, even though herbs occur in nature, a doctor should be consulted with any use of a new supplement.

Manage the Symptoms of Anxiety

Panic attacks are one of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder.  A panic attack makes a person feel suddenly fearful before beginning a specific task.  It can happen at any time and at any location.  The best thing to do when a panic attack occurs is to go to a quiet area to relax and calm the rapid heart beat.  Another way to get through a panic attack is to stay busy.  Keeping the mind occupied can help a person to stay in control of the situation.  If all else fails, deep breathing can help a person regain composure and a more peaceful feeling.