How Does Medication Treat Anxiety Disorders?

When a person suffers from an anxiety disorder, it is far beyond the regular anxiety that everyone suffers from day to day. This form of anxiety can be chronic, recurring and extreme to the point of being unbearable. Therefore many doctors will recommended prescription medication to help treat the problem. Some people will not mind medication, as it is a quick fix, while others will prefer psychotherapeutic treatment instead.
Of course, no medication will "cure" anxiety disorders. However, taking the right medication can control certain undesirable symptoms of the disorder. Therapeutic medication for anxiety disorders must be prescribed by a physician, usually a psychiatrist who can then offer further assistance through psychotherapy. In some cases both medication and psychotherapy is recommended will be recommended by a psychiatrist.
Antidepressants are one form of medication used to treat anxiety disorders as well as depression. These forms of medication alter the brain chemistry immediately, though they can take as long as 6 weeks to reduce symptoms. It is vital that patients take the prescription regularly if this treatment is to work.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a certain type of antidepressant that alters the levels of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain chemistry, thus allowing easier communication between brain cells. SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil and Celexa are recommended for panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia and post traumatic stress disorder. Effexor is related to the other SSRIs and used to treat general anxiety. SSRI's are recommended because they are effective and cause less overall side effects than other antidepressants. However some side effects do persist.
Tricyclics are also used to treat various anxiety disorders and include brands like Tofranil and Anafranil. These start at low dosage and are gradually increased with minor symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another class of antidepressant medication. Prescriptions like Nardil, Parnate and Marplan are useful in treating certain types of disorders like panic and social phobia. However side effects are heavy, especially if certain foods or other medications are taken along with MAOIs.
Then there are anti-anxiety drugs, which are high-potency benzodiazepines. This class includes names like Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax. For the most part these drugs have less side effects than the others, though drowsiness is still listed. Another problem is that benzodiazepines are believed to be more addictive than other medications; sometimes patients must increase dosage as the body gets use to the initial amount. Like most addictive drugs, withdrawal symptoms can appear if the patient stops taking the medication. Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed on a short term basis.
Beta blocks sich as Inderal are another form of traditional medication used to treat heart problems. It can also help with social phobia and may be prescribed on a short term basis if a phobic event can be predicted, such as a large gathering or public speech. There is a risk in all traditional medication, but in some extreme cases it may be the only practical solution-and even requested by the patient who wishes to stop the symptoms of anxiety.
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What Does A Panic Attack Feel Like ?

Panic attacks can happen for what seems like no reason. Some people aren't even aware that they have an anxiety problem, yet they have that gut feeling that something is wrong. In order to best care for your mental health, you should understand what an anxiety attack feels like. It's usually defined as a very intense feeling of fear or distress. Sometimes it feels like everything is going to go wrong and the world is caving in. Many times panic attacks happen suddenly, confusing the people who are affected by it. The symptoms listed below usually accompany a panic attack. You may be having an anxiety attack if you're experiencing:* A feeling of impending doom* Feeling as if you're going to die* Racing heartbeat or palpitations* Shaking or trembling* Breathlessness, shortness of breath, or feeling as if you're being smothered* Sweating* Feeling as if you're choking or have a lump in your throat* Nausea or upset stomach* Chest pains* Dizziness or light-headedness* Fear of going mad or losing control of yourself* Feeling as if you're outside of yourself or not real* Numbness or tingling sensations in the face and body* Sudden body temperature change such as chills or hot flashes* Skin changing color, such as blushing or turning pale* A sudden urge to use the bathroomWhen you have a panic attack, your body is responding in the way it would if you were really in danger. However, sometimes they happen at unlikely times and for no apparent reason at all. Anxiety attacks also happen at uncomfortable and unsettling times, which is much easier to understand and apprehend.Panic attacks that happen frequently are usually due to an anxiety disorder. Anyone who has suffered from even just one panic attack may have some underlying health or mental problems that need addressing. Seeking medical help is a must if you're worried about panic attacks or anxiety disorders. Some signs of anxiety disorders are: * Excessive and unhealthy worrying* Constantly checking actions and rechecking them* Feeling fearful and anxious for what seems like no reason* Worrying about normal everyday occurrences* Having panic attacks (which was discussed above)* Feeling extremely uncomfortable in public areas* Having a constant fear of being humiliated in public* Unprovoked anger* Frequent upsetting memories of traumatic past experiences* Obsession with rituals and routines (OCD)These are all signs of an anxiety disorder being present. However, just because you have an anxiety disorder, it does not necessarily mean you'll suffer from panic attacks too. If you display any of these behaviors, please consult with your doctor so they can identify what problems you may be having and how they can be helped.