Medications For Anxiety

Anxiety medication is used as a short-term as well as long-term solution for the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.  They are used along with or without psychotherapy for the control of anxiety. 

Most of the time, these anxiety medications are prescribed for short-term use or as needed, because they can become addictive.  There are several different prescription medications available for anxiety but these medications can cause strong addictions and have several side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and irritability. 

Barbiturates were used commonly for panic disorders, but have been replaced by other medications.  People who suffer from from anxiety issues sometimes tend to be depressed, and some of these people tried to intentionally overdose on barbiturates.

Thankfully, we have come up with other solutions.  There are now other anti-anxiety medications that are not addictive and have fewer side effects.  

Anti-depressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are used for several anxiety disorders and are helpful in managing long-term problems with anxiety.  Chronic anxiety is usually treated with the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drugs. but little is know about the long-term effect of these drugs being taken daily. 

Newer anti-depressants can also be helpful in the treatment of anxiety.  Mild cases of anxiety and performance anxiety (such as public speaking) can be treated with antihistamines or beta blockers.

Other ways to Handle Anxiety Disorders

Home treatment along with professional care can help relieve anxiety.  Treatment at home may seem too simple to work but it may be the right treatment for you at the time.  Here are some ways to treat your panic disorder at home without anxiety medication.

-         Recognize and accept your anxiety about certain things

-         Devise a plan to deal with these anxieties, such as a budget when you tend to worry about finances

-         Make a priority list when you have difficulty with procrastination. 

-         Don't focus on the past but focus on the present and change the things you can and the things you can't change or have no control over, change your attitude about the problem. 

-         Set time aside for yourself everyday to just think and feel what you want

-         Relieve tension with regular massages

-         Take a soothing bath to melt away your worries, even if only for an hour or two

-         Exercise regularly to relieve tension and improve your body's chemical balance

-         Get enough sleep since your body rejuvenates while it is at rest

-         Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as these tend to worsen anxiety

-         Talk things out with a friend or loved one that you can depend on to sympathize with you

-         Plan your time, do something you enjoy just because you enjoy it

-         Surround yourself with people. Being alone can make things much worse, so get involved with a social or church group or do volunteer work. 

-         Get active and healthy.  Dance, yogi, Tia chi, meditation and aromatherapy will all help you gain a positive attitude about yourself and your self worth

Sometime anxiety medication will work one day and they won’t the next. It all comes down to seeing which ones is right for you and working with solutions that are effective at the moment. 

Medications may not be necessary if the home treatments will work on your anxiety disorder, so try the home treatments first before you request prescription medications. Your doctor can go over your options with you and let you know which one would be better suited for you.  The reward is control of your life and not letting anxiety control you.