anxiety meds curious if all could help

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2003
anxiety meds curious if all could help
4
Tue, 09-06-2005 - 5:09pm
dr wants to discuss some meds to help during attacks or general anxiety. i am afraid of what the meds will do? Can you share what kind and side effects and how it helps your anxiety??? Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Tue, 09-06-2005 - 9:09pm

I've taken xanax for anxiety. The only side effect I had was sleepiness in the beginning & I lost 10 lbs :) Not a bad side effect, lol. It works wonderfully for me when I need it. It takes effect quickly and lasts a few hours.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 09-07-2005 - 8:20am

Medication


Though not a cure, medications are definitely effective in relieving symptoms and helping individuals control relentless and overwhelming anxiety. Medications can help resolve such physical symptoms as a pounding heart and shortness of breath, and give people a greater sense of control. Antianxiety drugs frequently reduce symptoms enough to allow people to cope on their own or derive more benefit from psychotherapy. Several types of medication are now available for treating anxiety, including various types of tranquilizers and several of the so-called antidepressant drugs.


Benzodiazepines—the class of drugs that includes chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium)—have been around for decades, but still play a front-line role in the treatment of anxiety. Unfortunately, these medications can produce dependency, and should be taken only for short periods of time. Currently the leading anxiety medication is alprazolam (Xanax), a potent benzodiazepine that has proven effective in relieving anxiety disorders complicated by depression. Xanax can help control anxiety until antidepressant medication takes effect, and is especially beneficial for people who have had an increase of anxiety symptoms caused by an antidepressant. Xanax is also one of the drugs approved for the treatment of panic disorders. Though it works more quickly than antidepressants, it is rarely the first choice of psychiatrists due to its high potential for dependency. Possible side effects of Xanax and other benzodiazepines include drowsiness, poor coordination, muscular weakness, and impaired memory and concentration. Due to the danger of acute withdrawal symptoms, you should never attempt to discontinue Xanax or any of the other benzodiazepines without your doctor's advice.


Buspirone (BuSpar), a newer anxiety medication, has several advantages over the benzodiazepines. It has little potential for dependency and isn't likely to cause drowsiness or impair coordination or memory as benzodiazepines may do. However, BuSpar takes much longer to provide relief. Potential side effects include insomnia, nervousness, light-headedness, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.


Serotonin boosters, such as clomipramine (Anafranil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), are now standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. These drugs, many of which are also used for depression, are believed to work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. This natural chemical messenger helps regulate mood and alertness. The serotonin boosters effectively reduce the uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors that interfere with the victim's life. They usually need 4 weeks or more to take full effect.


Some of these medications have been approved for treatment of other anxiety disorders as well. Paxil and Zoloft are prescribed for panic disorder, and Paxil is also used to relieve social anxiety disorder. When the drugs are prescribed for anxiety disorders, dosage typically starts low and is gradually increased. The medications usually must be taken on a regular basis, with treatment lasting 6 months to a year. Though all the drugs have side effects, they usually become tolerable or disappear over time. If side effects are a problem, the doctor may advise waiting a couple of weeks or more before trying a different medication. At the end of treatment, dosage is gradually reduced.


To read more on this all inclusive info about anxiety, click on this link: http://www.pdrhealth.com/content/lifelong_health/chapters/fgac26.shtml

 

 


 



Avatar for dosbabe
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2008
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 7:22pm
You can also stop by our board Antidepressant Medications and visit with many members that have tried all different therapies, including medications, for anxiety.

*~*~* Amy *~*~*


 
~~~Save a Tree, Save our Planet, Recycle, Think Organic

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 8:34pm
I have had good results with xanax and paxil!
The side effect of Paxil is weight gain for me---
not a good one to have! But it does help my anxiety!
I have had talk therapy, cognitive therapy and hypnosis!
I am loving the hypnosis it has helped me improve my
general attitude and feelings! Take care, Judy