| Everyone has experienced anxiety at one time or | | | | to produce the desired relief. It is important to |
| another - it is our normal human response to fear. But | | | | remember that while anxiety medications can be |
| if panic and worry have taken control of your life, you | | | | helpful, they're not the only answer. |
| may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. | | | | Alternative treatment options for anxiety |
| Many people look to medication as a solution for | | | | There are many treatment alternatives to prescription |
| severe anxiety or panic attacks. While medication can | | | | drugs - an excellent example is cognitive-behavioral |
| relieve many anxiety symptoms, it doesn't cure the | | | | therapy, which is generally believed to be the most |
| underlying problem and it's generally not a good | | | | effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorder. |
| long-term solution. The good news is, there are ways | | | | CBT focuses on identifying and correcting negative |
| to overcome panic and anxiety with out medication. | | | | thought patterns which cause us to worry and panic, |
| Many anxiety treatments are available to help you | | | | and teaches healthier, more positive ways to cope |
| reduce your anxiety symptoms and regain control of | | | | with the stresses of life. |
| your life. | | | | To overcome anxiety permanently, major changes in |
| Understanding anxiety medications | | | | your lifestyle may be necessary. Lifestyle changes |
| There are many different medications used to treat | | | | that decrease anxiety include regular exercise, |
| anxiety disorders. They include tranquilizers (Xanax, | | | | adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. |
| Ativan, Valium), antidepressants (Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro), | | | | At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day |
| and beta-blockers (Inderol and Atenolol). Any of these | | | | can decrease physical and emotional tension; being |
| medications can be very effective in relieving the | | | | well rested enables us to cope better with daily |
| symptoms of panic and anxiety, but they shouldn't be | | | | responsibilities and stresses; and eating a healthy diet |
| considered as a cure for the real problem. | | | | that incorporates fruits and vegetables and eliminates |
| Prescription drugs can provide temporary relief, but | | | | caffeine and refined sugar can help to restore the |
| they can't treat the underlying cause of anxiety | | | | brain's seratonin levels and therefore decrease anxiety. |
| disorder. Without addressing the underlying cause, your | | | | Advantages of alternative therapies |
| anxiety symptoms can return in full force once you | | | | The number-one advantage of non-drug anxiety |
| stop taking the medication. | | | | treatments is that they create lasting positive changes |
| Risks of anxiety medications | | | | and long-term relief. If you find yourself struggling not |
| Anxiety medications can come with a number of | | | | just with panic and anxiety, but also with prescription |
| unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. Many | | | | anxiety drugs, there is a way to end this terrible cycle, |
| can be addictive, making it difficult to stop taking them | | | | and overcome anxiety without the use of medication - |
| once you've started. Others can take several weeks | | | | and there is a program available to teach you how. |