Anti-Anxiety Medication - The Medication Lounge

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Azaspirones

Benzodiazepines

Beta Blockers

Tricyclics

MAOIs

SSRI's

anticonvulsants

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Actual dosages must be determined by your physician!

NOTE: Almost ALL antidepressants and many medications potentiate the effect of alcohol. Even a few drinks can make someone on these medications more intoxicated than he or she would normally be. Anxiety Medications may cause drowsiness or mental slowing. Anti-anxiety medication may also impair driving. Medications are meant to help you feel better, but many people are not aware that one medication may interact with another one and cause other problems. At worst, drug interactions can be fatal; but they can also cause psychiatric symptoms such as confusion and memory impairment. Therefore, if you are are taking more than one medication, you should make sure that at least one physician (if you have more than one) knows everything you are taking. The information on this site has not been evaluated nor has it been written by a physician or medical doctor. The information concerning drugs/medications (contained on this site) is only informational and should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any medical or mental disorder.

Can I benefit from medication?

Many people have benefited from the use of antianxiety medications. Medication can help calm your symptoms. You should not think any less of yourself if you take medication. The best way to conquer your anxiety disorder would be to correct the underlying cause of your symptoms. A certified therapist can help you with this or self-help books can guide you. I would recomend my program Anxiety: The Cool Way as a wonderful way to overcome anxiety disorder with or without the use of medication. Think of medication as a means of giving you some relief from symptoms but not to "cure." Remember: The goal here is not just to mask your symptoms but to overcome the root cause of anxiety (which is what my program does). I do not believe medication is the "cure" for anxiety. I believe it is only a great way to relax, loosen up and help you to get your groove on if you or your doctor feels you should take medication. We want to deal with your thinking, behavior and self-esteem as the primary theraputic approach. Learn more about Anxiety: The Cool Way here.

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Azaspirones:

Azaspirones is a class of drug effective in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) It works gradually over 2 to 4 weeks. It doesn't have any harsh side-effects and doesn't seem to cause sedation, nor memory and balance problems. It has not been said to cause that "out of it!" feeling. It also does not potentate alcohol. Azaspirones work slowly and people should not switch to benzodiazepines immediately.

Example medications:

BuSpar

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BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines are highly effective against panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Sometimes they are preferred. They are fast acting, can make you drowsy though and can initiate withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Working with your doctor can always help to reduce this challenge. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are Xanax and Valium. Other commonly used benzodiazepines are Librium and Serepax. Your doctor will probably start you out taking a low dosage. Then your doctor will gradually increase the dosage until anxiety is controlled. It will usually be prescribed for a short period (maybe 2 to 4 weeks) and then stop them as soon as possible. The habit-forming potential is high. Long-term use is not recommended because it can lead to dependence and withdrawal reactions when stopped. Never stop taking a Benzodiazepines suddenly if you have been taking it for more than a couple weeks. Your doctor will help you taper off the medicine.

Example medications:

Ativan, Centrax, Dalmane, Klonopin, Librium, Paxipam, Restoril, Serax, Tranxene, Xanax

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BETA BLOCKERS

Beta Blockers By reducing the effect of adrenaline, The Beta Blockers are used to calm certain anxiety symptoms such as shaking, palpitations and sweating all over yourself. However, they do reduce blood pressure and slow the heartbeat so always talk to your doctor about the entire picture. The medication is fast acting and non-habit forming but should not be taken with other preexisting medical conditions (e.g. asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, vascular diseases, hyperthyroidism and angina). Beta-blockers are not FDA approved for the treatment of anxiety but are generally used to do so. Never take a double dose.

Example medications:

Inderal, Tenormin

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TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Tricyclics (TCAs) Tricyclics are a non-addictive medication used to treat depression, mood disorders, bulimia, narcolepsy and anxiety-related disorders. There are studies showing its effective in reducing panic attacks. TCAs work very similar to SSRIs.

Although, they have been known to produce weight gain in people using them - they can be very helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TCAs help to return the levels of neurotransmitters toward a normal state. Remember, Tricyclics are highly dangerous in overdose.

Example medications:

Adapin , Anafranil, Elavil, Janimine, Ludiomil, Pamelor, Pertofrane, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil

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MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIs)

MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs should rarely be used as first line treatment. Often, an MAOIs is indicated for patients who have failed to respond to some of the more commonly used drugs for depression and anxiety. It is then used in the treatment panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, other phobias, and hypochondriacal features. Depressed patients who are clinically characterized as having "atypical" or "nonedogenous" symptoms usually have a mix of anxiety and depression. This is when your doctor may issue an MAOIs.

An issue that your doctor should talk to you about is the harsh interactions with many different foods and medications, wines and beer. Even cheese has Tyramine in it which will interact negatively with MAOIs. The specific foods & medications MUST be avoided while taking the drug. Other side-effects of MAOIs is a decrease in blood pressure, insomnia, moderate weight gain and reduced sexual response.

Example medications:

Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate

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SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Selective Serotonin Re-uptake inhibitors are the latest in the treatment of anxiety disorders. They are used in the treatment of panic disorder, depression, OCD and other challenges usually require one does per day. They are now the most widely used drugs on planet earth. Studies have show a great improvement in individuals using the medication. Some common side-effects do include nausea, sexual difficulties and nervousness.

Example medications:

Celexa, Desryl, Effexor, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft

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ANTICONVULSANTS:

Anticonvulsants were used for years in the treatment of epilepsy. Research has now shown anticonvulsants can be helpful in treating panic attacks and other psychiatric challenges and improve mood stabilization

Example medications:

Neurontin Valproic acid

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The list of Anti-anxiety medications:

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Actual dosage must be determined by the physician.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan is an anti-anxiety sedative in the Benzodiazepinesclass. It is used in the treatment for the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Some people suffering with insomnia due to anxiety may find this drug to be beneficial. The doctor may start you on 2 to 3 milligrams per day or at bedtime.