ANXIETY MEDICATION
Effective treatments for each of the anxiety disorders have been developed through research. There are two types of treatment available for anxiety disorders. They are medication and specific types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy"). Both approaches can be effective for most disorders. The choice of one or the other, or both, depends on the patient's and the doctor's preference, and also on the particular anxiety disorder.
Before treatment can begin, the doctor must conduct a careful diagnostic evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, which anxiety disorder(s) you may have, and what coexisting conditions may be present. Anxiety disorders are not all treated the same, and it is important to determine the specific problem before embarking on a course of treatment.
When you undergo treatment for an anxiety disorder, you and your doctor or therapist will be working together as a team. Together, you will attempt to find the approach that is best for you. If one treatment doesn't work, the odds are good that another one will. And new treatments are continually being developed through research. So don't give up hope.
Anxiety medication, for most people, is the only thing in the short term that is going to help you feel like yourself again. Most medications will most likely take 2 weeks or more before they begin to help you. That's why it is so important that you get a psychologist, books, or find other sources of information about your condition to help you while your medication begins to work.
It is those things, for most people, that will help them the most in the long run, not the medication. Also, you do not want to be on medication for the rest of your life. I know I didn't. And remember this - The medication will only help with the symptoms, it is not a cure.
You will begin to feel a little more in control of yourself, and your thoughts once the medication starts taking effect. You need, at that point, to really start to get rid of some stress in your life. You also need to learn how to accept and eliminate the fear on your own terms. Get as much information as you can about the anxiety disorder you have been diagnosed with.
Armed with the knowledge about your condition, and the courage to stay strong, you will soon be feeling like your old self again.
Below I have listed a few of the different anxiety medications that you may be prescribed, and what they are. Alot of them have several side-effects, but do not let that discourage you. You absolutely need to get well!
I have also listed some alternative and natural remedies that you may find very helpful.
I hope you find this short guide useful in understanding them.
Prescription Medications
Zoloft (Sertraline) - Click Here to Learn More About Zoloft
- Helps major depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
- Side-effects may include, but not limited to, diarrhea and sexual dysfunction.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) - Click Here to Learn More About Wellbutrin
- Helps major depression and seasonal affective disorder.
- Side-effects may include, but not limited to, headache and trouble sleeping.
Paxil (Paroxetine) - Click Here to Learn More About Paxil
- Helps major depression, OCD, social phobia and panic disorder.
- Side-effects may include, but not limited to, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction and constipation.
Xanax (Alprazolam) - Clich Here to Learn More About Xanax
- Helps anxiety and panic disorders.
- Side-effects may include, but not limited to, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, and depression.
Prozac (Fluoxetine) - Click Here to Learn More About Prozac
- Helps major depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa.
- Unfortunately this drug's side-effects may include, but not limited to, an increase in anxiety, insomnia and agitation.
Celexa (Citalopram) - Click Here to Learn More About Celexa
- Helps moderate to major depression in adults.
- Side-effects may include, but not limited to, vomiting. This drug has fewer side-effects and drug interactions compared to others and is less expensive.
Taking Medications
Before taking medication for an anxiety disorder:
- Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the drug
he or she is prescribing.
- Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are
using.
- Ask your doctor when and how the medication will be stopped. Some drugs can't safely be stopped
abruptly; they have to be tapered slowly under a physician's supervision.
- Be aware that some medications are effective in anxiety disorders only as long as they are
taken regularly, and symptoms may occur again when the medications are
discontinued.
- Work together with your doctor to determine the right dosage of the right medication to
treat your anxiety disorder.
Natural Remedies
Natural Remedies include:
- Changing your diet.
- Starting an exercise program.
- Music
- Get a pet. Click here for the physical and medical benefits.
- Learning how to control your anger.
- Don't hold guilt for something that has happened in the past.
- Increase your self-esteem.
- Laugh!
- Use relaxation techniques.
- Spiritual Healing - Prayers
- Herbal Remedies - There are quite a few to choose from.
- Aromatherapy
- Vitamins - Some surprisingly reduce stress.
Whatever you and your doctor choose, you will probably experience some set-backs. Meaning that one day you will feel completely healed and the next day you may feel like your starting all over again.
It is during these set-backs that you need to stay in control and use everything you have learned. Don't fear them and don't get discouraged. It might take one or more visits to different doctors to get properly diagnosed.
It is going to take time to eliminate the fear and get in control again. Remember to relax.
