Anti Anxiety Drugs - What to Consider - Taking Charge of Treatment
You have now met with your physician and a mental health care provider about your anxiety, and a treatment plan is beginning to form. Many cases of anxiety are treated with cognitive-behavior therapy alone. But what if your doctor is considering anti-anxiety drugs, as well? You may be a person who has no problems with medications. On the other hand, maybe you are dedicated to holistic medicines and natural remedies. No matter where you fall within this range, it is important to properly research the drugs and their possible side effects before choosing a course of treatment.
Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety. Since the 1950s, science has developed medications to combat the associated symptoms. The oldest are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are now only used when other medications fail. Today, when you are considering anti-anxiety drugs, note that there are four major classes of anxiety medicines from which your doctor might choose. These are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. These medications block the body's re-absorption of various neurotransmitters in order to balance the chemical level of the brain.
As with many medications, there is a lot to analyze when considering anti-anxiety drugs. All have a long list of potential side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, nausea, impotence, and so on. After reviewing your medical history, your physician will determine which of these drugs will be the most effective, and safest, for you to take. To that end, you must be honest with your doctor about all health problems, most especially substance abuse. And note that, if you do develop a problem with your medication, you should not stop using the drug, but instead "step down" the doses according to your doctor's instructions.
There are many routes to take before considering anti-anxiety drugs. Your treatment will necessarily include therapy with a mental health professional. Both your physician and your therapist may suggest special techniques to relax you and calm your anxiety without the use of medications. It is important to remember that, whatever drugs you take, they only treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause. But if you do use medication, careful research and consultation will help you feel comfortable with your course of treatment. Luckily, there are many resources to get you started. Conducting an online search of your drug's name will provide descriptions and side effect lists from sources such as the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health.
Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety. Since the 1950s, science has developed medications to combat the associated symptoms. The oldest are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are now only used when other medications fail. Today, when you are considering anti-anxiety drugs, note that there are four major classes of anxiety medicines from which your doctor might choose. These are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. These medications block the body's re-absorption of various neurotransmitters in order to balance the chemical level of the brain.
As with many medications, there is a lot to analyze when considering anti-anxiety drugs. All have a long list of potential side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, nausea, impotence, and so on. After reviewing your medical history, your physician will determine which of these drugs will be the most effective, and safest, for you to take. To that end, you must be honest with your doctor about all health problems, most especially substance abuse. And note that, if you do develop a problem with your medication, you should not stop using the drug, but instead "step down" the doses according to your doctor's instructions.
There are many routes to take before considering anti-anxiety drugs. Your treatment will necessarily include therapy with a mental health professional. Both your physician and your therapist may suggest special techniques to relax you and calm your anxiety without the use of medications. It is important to remember that, whatever drugs you take, they only treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause. But if you do use medication, careful research and consultation will help you feel comfortable with your course of treatment. Luckily, there are many resources to get you started. Conducting an online search of your drug's name will provide descriptions and side effect lists from sources such as the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health.
