Anxiety Medications

At some time or other in our lives we have all been anxious or terrified about something. However, no matter what we experienced we’ve generally always been able to put them into perspective and get on with our lives, but there are people who aren’t able to let their troubles go and who suffer from anxiety. These anxieties then build up until they take over the lives of the individual and eventually become anxiety disorders. These disorders can be treated in a number of different ways, but the most familiar way is to use anxiety medications.

As there are a large number of these anxiety medications available it’s always best to talk with your doctor or psychiatrist first so they can recommend the best course of treatment for you. This is prudent as some of these anxiety medications can interact with other substances and produce life threatening situations.

Anxiety medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs work on raising the chemical serotonin in the brain. The dosage for SSRIs starts at a low amount and is then gradually increased until a therapeutic level is achieved. As this class of medication has only mild side effects like nausea and jitteriness it is very popular. You should inform your doctor if you experience side effects so that your dosage may be adjusted or you may be given another SSRI to take.

Tricyclics are also started at a low dose and then increased gradually to gain the maximum benefit. This class of anxiety medications has been the traditional medication for treating anxiety. The side effects of tricyclics are mild, and they range from dizziness and drowsiness to dry mouth and weight gain. Should these symptoms persist or become bothersome you should let your doctor know so that your medication may be changed.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOI’s are the oldest class of antidepressant drugs. You will need to be careful with this anxiety medication as there is a restrictive diet that must be followed. Certain foods and drinks that contain the chemical substance tyramine must be avoided. These include cheeses and red wines. Should there be an interaction a dangerous elevation in blood pressure or other life threatening situations may occur.

Benzodiazepines have the ability the relive the symptoms of anxiety quickly. There are a few side effects from this drug. Drowsiness and addictiveness may occur. As addiction may occur, tolerance for the drug means an increase in the dosage must be taken to gain the earlier benefits. Therefore other than panic disorder this drug is a short term anxiety medication.

Along with Beta Blockers and other such drugs that I haven’t mentioned, you have a multitude of anxiety medications that you can choose from to help you control your anxiety disorder, and you should discuss all your options with your doctor to find a suitable anxiety medication for you.

Krishan Bakhru is the editor of Natural Home Remedies , Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux and Anxiety and Panic Attack Treatment Information