The Facts About Anxiety Disorder Medications
Anxiety disorder medications are a common treatment for those suffering panic attacks. These medications are used to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and to reduce the number of panic attacks. Many of these drugs are very effective in calming and retaining some normalcy in an afflicted person's life.
Types Of Medications
Most anxiety disorder medications are made from a common mixture of ingredients. Many contain what is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs and/ or Benzodiazepines.
Serotonin is what is known as the brain's all-natural happy drug. Scientists believe that a lack of serotonin is the cause of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some well-known name brands that use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are Prozac and Zoloft.
Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs, which are minor tranquilizers. They slow down the body's nervous system, giving it an all-over calm. These types of anxiety disorder medications can be addictive, so they should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Some well-known name brands that use Benzodiazepines are Xanax and Valium.
Another medication that is used to treat panic attacks and anxiety is antidepressants. Antidepressants affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Effexor is a good brand name example of this type of anxiety disorder medication. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), are very powerful antidepressant drugs that should only be used as a last resort after all other treatments have been tried. These drugs can be toxic when combined with certain other drugs and foods. The FDA has put out a warning on all antidepressants. Anyone taking them may be more susceptible to suicide, especially when they first start to take them or when the dosage is changed.
What to Expect
After several weeks of taking anxiety disorder medications the patient should find an improvement in their symptoms. If after eight weeks, if nothing has changed, then a follow-up visit to their doctor would be required. The doctor may prescribe a different drug, or may increase the dosage of the drug already taken.
Treatments Along with Medication
Anxiety disorder medications are only the first step to wellness for those afflicted with anxiety. Their doctor will also suggest counseling and/or relaxation techniques as well. This is because the medications work much better in conjunction with other treatments. This encourages long-term effects.
One thing to remember, anxiety disorder medications are long-term treatments. They will have to be taken at least a year or longer, sometimes indefinitely.
