Combating Anxiety: Will a Pill Work?

You may have been plagued by worry at some point in your life. It could have been a result of starting a new marriage, a new career, or caring for a sick child. Your anxiety may have affected you not only emotionally but also physically. You may have felt uneasy, faint, or have had breathing difficulties.

When it comes to anxiety, there are different levels of severity. It can be mild, lasting only a day or two, or severe, lasting up to a month. You could have a generalized anxiety disorder or something more specific like phobias, panic attacks, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

An antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication may be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants are classified into three types: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are examples of SSRIs. These antidepressants frequently have fewer side effects than older antidepressants. You may feel nervous at first when taking SSRIs, but this usually goes away after a few weeks. One of these drugs' most common side effects is sexual dysfunction, which can often be remedied by adjusting the dosage.

Tricyclics are known to cause sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Because they are older than SSRIs, more research has been done on them. Meanwhile, MAOIs can cause an allergic reaction when combined with certain foods and beverages, such as cheese and wine. These reactions can include high blood pressure and other potentially fatal complications.

Anti-anxiety medications can cause fatigue, confusion, or drowsiness as side effects. The medicines can be taken twice or three times per day, or only as needed. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the symptoms disappear. The amount of medication prescribed varies according to signs and body chemistry. Doctors generally believe that drinking alcohol while taking anti-anxiety medication is not a good idea because the combination can result in a life-threatening situation.

Because the medication can cause dependence, it is usually prescribed for only a few days or weeks at a time. A user may be instructed to take the drug only when anxiety symptoms arise. Individuals suffering from anxiety may require treatment for an extended period in some cases. If you start taking anti-anxiety medication, you must stick with it until your doctor tells you to stop. You may experience anxiety, dizziness, or a loss of appetite if you stop abruptly. Valium, Ativan, and Xanax are examples of common anxiety medications.

Doctors sometimes prescribe Beta-blockers to treat anxiety. While beta-blockers such as propanolol are commonly used to treat heart disease, they have also been an effective treatment for social anxiety. If you are in a stressful situation, such as a job interview, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker to keep your palms from sweating your head from swelling and treat other anxiety symptoms.

There are some things you should do before starting an anxiety medication regimen. For example, you should do your research on the drug. Determine whether you can live with the side effects by learning what they are. It would help to inform your doctor about any over-the-counter medications you are taking. Make sure you know how long you'll have to take medicine. You should be aware that if you stop taking the drug, you may experience a resurgence of anxiety symptoms.

It can be a frightening experience if you've been diagnosed with anxiety. You may be unsure of where to go or who to contact. However, it's best to start your treatment search with your family doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary. While any anxiety medication can cause side effects, many people have reported positive results, particularly with SSRIs. You can find the proper remedy for you by working closely with your doctor. You should be aware. However, that medication may only be one piece of the treatment puzzle. You may also need to engage in talk therapy or join a support group to alleviate your symptoms. The good news is that those diagnosed with anxiety have a good prognosis.