| Everyone suffers a bit of anxiety on occasion. But | | | | Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly |
| does that mean you need anti-anxiety medication? Not | | | | prescribed depressant medications in the United States |
| necessarily. | | | | today. More than 15 different types of benzodiazepine |
| Your palms begin to sweat and your stomach begins | | | | medications exist to treat a wide array of both |
| to flutter but you're fine. You're experiencing simple | | | | psychological and physical disorders. Some of the |
| cases of nervousness and your body is responding in | | | | most commonly used types are Valium, Ativan, and |
| ways that are manageable. But, anxiety can explode | | | | Librium. Each are normally ingested in a pill or capsule |
| into a serious problem. | | | | form but can be administered intravenously if needed. |
| Anxiety disorders, in addition to generalized anxiety, | | | | Anti-anxiety medications are prescribed for relaxation, |
| include phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive | | | | calmness, and relief from anxiety and tension. In some |
| disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. For millions | | | | cases side effects will occur. These side effects vary |
| of sufferers anxiety disorders are disruptive, debilitating | | | | widely depending on the type of medication, the dose, |
| and often the reason for loss of job and serious | | | | and the person. Some of the short-term side effects |
| problems in family relationships. So what can be done | | | | to be aware of are drowsiness, impaired thinking, |
| to control anxiety disorders? | | | | altered vision, depression, stuttering, confusion, nausea, |
| Many anxiety disorders can be controlled with therapy, | | | | dry mouth, and loss of appetite. |
| support groups and other non-medication treatments. | | | | Long-term side effects can also occur in patients who |
| But when the problem is severe or when coupled with | | | | are taking high doses of benzodiazepines. These |
| certain diagnoses, medicine may be required. | | | | effects can consist of slurred speech, loss of |
| Prescription medications can control the unrelenting and | | | | concentration, lack of coordination, and disorientation. |
| uncontrollable tension and fear that rule the lives of | | | | Patients experiencing any long-term side effects |
| anxiety disorder patients. | | | | should speak with their physician immediately. |
| Anti-anxiety medication can relieve the fear. It can help | | | | Symptoms of anxiety can present themselves on a |
| stop physical symptoms such as pounding heart and | | | | daily basis. So be aware of when you begin to worry |
| shortness of breath, and give patients a greater sense | | | | and know what information to report to your physician |
| of control. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed by | | | | so he/she can best help you. Because before being |
| psychiatrists and physicians. They're a group of | | | | prescribed an anti-anxiety medication there are |
| tranquilizers that can reduce debilitating symptoms and | | | | questions that need answering. |
| enable a person to concentrate on coping with his or | | | | Are these symptoms caused by a medical problem? If |
| her illness. | | | | not, then consider what your life circumstances are. |
| And now when patients are equipped with a greater | | | | Are you under a lot of stress at work or at home? Do |
| sense of control, they can learn how to reduce the | | | | you feel as if you're racing to beat the clock? Has |
| stress that triggers anxiety. And they can develop | | | | worry become your number one emotion? Ask these |
| new behaviors that will lessen the effects of their | | | | questions and know the answers before visiting your |
| anxiety disorder. All thanks to the right anti-anxiety | | | | doctor. The better informed he is the easier it will be |
| medication. | | | | for him to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. |