 Anti anxiety medications - anxiety drugs help to calm and relax the anxious person and remove the troubling symptoms. There are a number of anti anxiety medications currently available. The preferred medications for most anxiety disorders are the benzodiazepines. In addition to the benzodiazepines, a non-benzodiazepine, buspirone (BuSpar), is used for generalized anxiety disorders.
Antidepressants -
anxiety drugs are also effective for panic
attacks and some phobias and are often prescribed
for these conditions. They are also sometimes used
for more generalized forms of anxiety, especially
when it is accompanied by depression. The
medications approved by the FDA for use in OCD are
all antidepressants clomipramine, fluoxetine, and
fluvoxamine. The most commonly used benzodiazepines
are alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium),
followed by chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax,
Libritabs). Benzodiazepines are relatively
fast-acting medications; in contrast, buspirone must
be taken daily for 2 or 3 weeks prior to exerting
its antianxiety effect. Most benzodiazepines will
begin to take effect within hours, some in even less
time. Benzodiazepines differ in duration of action
in different individuals; they may be taken two or
three times a day, or sometimes only once a day.
Dosage is generally started at a low level and
gradually raised until symptoms are diminished or
removed. The dosage will vary a great deal depending
on the symptoms and the individual's body chemistry.
Benzodiazepines
- anxiety drugs have few side effects.
Drowsiness and loss of coordination are most common;
fatigue and mental slowing or confusion can also
occur. These effects make it dangerous to drive or
operate some machinery when taking benzodiazepines
especially when the patient is just beginning
treatment. Other side effects are rare.
Benzodiazepines combined with other medications can
present a problem, notably when taken together with
commonly used substances such as alcohol. It is wise
to abstain from alcohol when taking benzodiazepines,
as the interaction between benzodiazepines and
alcohol can lead to serious and possibly
life-threatening complications. Following the
doctor's instructions is important. The doctor
should be informed of all other medications the
patient is taking, including over-the-counter
preparations. Benzodiazepines increase central
nervous system depression when combined with
alcohol, anesthetics, antihistamines, sedatives,
muscle relaxants, and some prescription pain
medications. Particular benzodiazepines may
influence the action of some anticonvulsant and
cardiac medications. Benzodiazepines have also been
associated with abnormalities in babies born to
mothers who were taking anxiety medications during
pregnancy. |
