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Medication |
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Anxiety levels can differ from person to person. therefore, on the road to recovery, different people may require different treatments. Some may gain benefits from professional guidance or holistic recovery programs alone, while others may require a combination of both professional guidance and medication. Medication does not cure symptoms of anxiety, it will only assist to decrease the anxiety symptoms while you are taking the medication. It is always recommended therefore that if you are taking medication to also engage in some other therapies that will change the way you look at things - ie your fear based perception.
Medication for the treatment of anxiety disorders has progressed a long way in the past few years, with various types available to relieve the symptoms associated with anxiety. Not all types are suitable for everyone, however with proper assessment from a qualified medical professional appropriate medication can be prescribed.
Medications for anxiety generally fall into the following categories: MAOI's, SSRI's, SNRI's, and Benzodiazepines. |
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| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAIO's) |
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MAOI's were the original antidepressant medications developed. They require careful medical management and can be quite dangerous when mixed with certain foods or medications. Therefore, the patient must follow strict dietary and medical guidelines.
MAOI's work by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine within the nerves, in turn allowing the storage levels of these chemical messengers to rise thereby decreasing levels of anxiety.
Common side effects: Headache, tremors, sweating, delayed orgasm, dry mouth, weakness, trouble sleeping , upset stomach, constipation, weight gain, dizziness, memory problems, fatigue.
Reference: Burns, M.D., (1999) 'The Feeling Good Handbook', Chapter 24, p.524 - 552 passim, Plume Publications. |
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| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI'S) |
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Currently, SSRI's are the most popular antidepressant/antianxiety drugs. They work by having a selective effect on nerves that use serotonin as a transmitter by restoring serotonin levels at the synapses thereby decreasing anxiety levels. The are more widely used due to the fewer side effects they have compared with other antidepressants. Some side effects may occur at the beginning of treatment, however often pass as treatment progresses. |
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Common side effects: Nausea, drowsiness, delayed orgasm, dry mouth, sleeplessness.
Reference: Burns, M.D., (1999) 'The Feeling Good Handbook', Chapter 24, p.505 - 524 passim, Plume Publications. |
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| Serotonin & Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI's) |
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SNRI's are slightly different to SSRI's in that they work to balance the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. These chemicals affect your mood, appetite, sense of well-being, motivation, and sleep. Balancing these levels is an important step in reducing your anxiety, related depression and overall sense of well being.
Potential side effects: nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, delayed ejaculation, sweating, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, and constipation.
Information on SNRI's provided by Dr. Greenfield, a general practitioner from Brisbane, Australia. |
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| Minor Tranquillisers (Benzodiazapine) |
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Benzodiazapines include such drugs as Xanax and Valium. They can have a strong calming effect almost immediately after you take them, however the effect only lasts a short time. This makes them highly addictive, and if taken for a few weeks they can lose there effectiveness thereby requiring higher doses for the same effect. Long term usage can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Ironically, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, nervousness and trouble sleeping.
* All medication should only be taken as prescribed by your medical practitioner. Always seek professional advice if you are unsure of what type of treatment may suit you best. |
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