Three Types of Anxiety Drugs - Is One Right For You?
If you are considering taking anxiety drugs or your doctor has recommended them, then you need to find out which drug is best for you.
In a time in which taking personal responsibility for your health is so important, it pays to learn about the three types of drugs and the risks associated with taking them, so you can make the choice that is right for you.
The first anti anxiety drug, benzodiazepines, have been around the longest of the three and include drugs like Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax.
These drugs act quickly and can bring relief from symptoms in as little as thirty to sixty minutes.
Although they can be effective in stopping a panic attack, they work by slowing brain activity and can have side effects like slurred speech, depression, confusion, stomach issues, forgetfulness and slow reflexes.
Newer choices include beta blockers and antidepressants.
Typically used to treat heart problems, beta blockers can also be used as an anti anxiety drug.
They work by blocking the reception of stress hormones.
This can be used to combat the symptoms of what we usually think of as stage fright: trembling voice, sweating, rapid pulse and shaky limbs.
These drugs are used most often to reduce the nerves associated with participating in an event, like public speaking, but don't really reduce chronic fears or worrying.
Beta blockers include Propranol and Atenolol.
Side effects of these anti anxiety drugs include slow heartbeat, stomach issues, drowsiness and dizziness.
Anti depressants include drugs like Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa and Prozac.
Although the risk of dependency is lower than the other two types of anxiety drugs, these drugs take some time to build up in the system, so they must be taken daily.
The side effects include weight gain, stomach issues, drowsiness, headaches, sexual issues, and nervousness.
Ironically, some of the side effects of these drugs worsen the symptoms they are trying to mask.
In addition to the side effects of anti anxiety drugs described above, these drugs can cause impulsivity, rage, mania, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Since your judgment, coordination, vision and level of awareness can be impaired by taking them, these drugs are also related to increased accidents while driving and working around the house.
It's also important to know that physical addiction can occur because instead of learning how to deal with your feelings, you are avoiding them.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pharmaceutical companies do not know the long term effects of these drugs on the brain.
Since most of them work to depress brain function, they may set up a vicious cycle, where you feel you need to take them just to function.
The other thing you should know about prescription drugs is they do not cure anxiety; they only temporarily suppress the symptoms.
Whenever you think about taking a drug, you have to weigh the benefits against the risks.
Although anxiety drugs are effective for some people, the side effects can be serious, even life threatening.
Knowing this, you may want to consider alternative methods of dealing with anxiety that actually improve your ability to cope with it over time which of course, lessens your anxiety.
Two healthy alternatives involve taking a natural remedy and seeing a behavioral therapist who can teach you how to cope with anxious feelings and panic attacks.
Since making changes in your life (like going to therapy) can create more anxiety initially, I recommend you start by taking a homeopathic remedy that suppresses symptoms and gives the brain the nutrition it needs to restore proper function.
The best remedies use time-tested ingredients like Passion Flower and St.
John's Wort and can be just as effective as anxiety drugs at suppressing symptoms.
In fact in countries like Germany, more people use these remedies than prescription drugs.
So there you have it: the three types of anxiety drugs, what they are used for, their side effects and other dangers.
You have also learned about alternatives: natural remedies and behavioral therapy.
Now it's up to you to weigh the benefits against the risks and choose a path that is healthy and will stop letting anxious feelings rule your life.
In a time in which taking personal responsibility for your health is so important, it pays to learn about the three types of drugs and the risks associated with taking them, so you can make the choice that is right for you.
The first anti anxiety drug, benzodiazepines, have been around the longest of the three and include drugs like Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax.
These drugs act quickly and can bring relief from symptoms in as little as thirty to sixty minutes.
Although they can be effective in stopping a panic attack, they work by slowing brain activity and can have side effects like slurred speech, depression, confusion, stomach issues, forgetfulness and slow reflexes.
Newer choices include beta blockers and antidepressants.
Typically used to treat heart problems, beta blockers can also be used as an anti anxiety drug.
They work by blocking the reception of stress hormones.
This can be used to combat the symptoms of what we usually think of as stage fright: trembling voice, sweating, rapid pulse and shaky limbs.
These drugs are used most often to reduce the nerves associated with participating in an event, like public speaking, but don't really reduce chronic fears or worrying.
Beta blockers include Propranol and Atenolol.
Side effects of these anti anxiety drugs include slow heartbeat, stomach issues, drowsiness and dizziness.
Anti depressants include drugs like Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa and Prozac.
Although the risk of dependency is lower than the other two types of anxiety drugs, these drugs take some time to build up in the system, so they must be taken daily.
The side effects include weight gain, stomach issues, drowsiness, headaches, sexual issues, and nervousness.
Ironically, some of the side effects of these drugs worsen the symptoms they are trying to mask.
In addition to the side effects of anti anxiety drugs described above, these drugs can cause impulsivity, rage, mania, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Since your judgment, coordination, vision and level of awareness can be impaired by taking them, these drugs are also related to increased accidents while driving and working around the house.
It's also important to know that physical addiction can occur because instead of learning how to deal with your feelings, you are avoiding them.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pharmaceutical companies do not know the long term effects of these drugs on the brain.
Since most of them work to depress brain function, they may set up a vicious cycle, where you feel you need to take them just to function.
The other thing you should know about prescription drugs is they do not cure anxiety; they only temporarily suppress the symptoms.
Whenever you think about taking a drug, you have to weigh the benefits against the risks.
Although anxiety drugs are effective for some people, the side effects can be serious, even life threatening.
Knowing this, you may want to consider alternative methods of dealing with anxiety that actually improve your ability to cope with it over time which of course, lessens your anxiety.
Two healthy alternatives involve taking a natural remedy and seeing a behavioral therapist who can teach you how to cope with anxious feelings and panic attacks.
Since making changes in your life (like going to therapy) can create more anxiety initially, I recommend you start by taking a homeopathic remedy that suppresses symptoms and gives the brain the nutrition it needs to restore proper function.
The best remedies use time-tested ingredients like Passion Flower and St.
John's Wort and can be just as effective as anxiety drugs at suppressing symptoms.
In fact in countries like Germany, more people use these remedies than prescription drugs.
So there you have it: the three types of anxiety drugs, what they are used for, their side effects and other dangers.
You have also learned about alternatives: natural remedies and behavioral therapy.
Now it's up to you to weigh the benefits against the risks and choose a path that is healthy and will stop letting anxious feelings rule your life.
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