Common Medicines For Different Anxiety and Depression
There are a variety of medications on the market, both prescribed and
natural that can help keep stress levels under control. When stress is
extreme enough to necessitate taking medication to calm panic attacks,
assist with depression, or to help lower your rising blood pressure, it
is time to consult your health care provider. Do not take it upon
yourself to decide which medications to take. Different medications may
be made for the same conditions, but they do not always react the same
way with a person’s body chemistry.
An example of this is the medication Zoloft. Zoloft is frequently
prescribed for depression, however the dosage determines whether it is
used for depression or as an anti-anxiety remedy. The prescription
Zoloft and others like it, such as Prozac, and Paxil are called SSRI’s
or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, sometimes the
possible side effects make taking these medications, especially in the
incorrect doses more dangerous than taking nothing at all. Zoloft has a
tendency to “numb” a person, literally. You will not feel anxious or
depressed, but in the wrong does, you will feel pretty much nothing. You
will not laugh or cry, be happy or sad. You just get through each day,
feeling numb. If you feel that way while taking this medication, you
need to discuss this with your health care professional immediately
because it is a strong indicator that the dosage needs to be adjusted.
Prozac has been known to induce suicidal thoughts and tendencies,
especially in teens and young adults.
BuSpar is another medication used to treat generalized anxiety
disorders, but does not do well for chronic anxiety or panic attacks.
Like most SSRI’s it has to be taken every day and usually twice per day
in the morning and again in the evening.
Another series of drugs are called benzodiazepines. This class of drugs
are specifically used to treat long-term or serious anxiety disorders
and things such as bi-polar disorder. Xanax is fast acting and one of
the most addictive of the series. However, for those having a major
panic attack, it usually works in twenty minutes or less. Ativan takes
approximately an hour or so to take effect, however there are not the
same side effects, such as liver damage, that the others in the series
can cause. This is extremely important if you are taking other
medications or are taking any form of birth control pills. These are
just two of the many medications available.
There are also a variety of natural remedies on the market that claim to
treat anxiety. These have not been scientifically proven or studied as
well as most manufactured drugs, so discuss them with your doctor and do
not take them with any other medications that have been prescribed.
Kava, Saint John’s Wart and Valerian Root are three of the most
frequently used and recommended by employees at health food stores and
such. There are good and bad side effects associated with each. Ensure
that you research these natural remedies thoroughly before you take them
and do not take them while you are taking prescription medications. |
