I have been searching for the various ways for attacking anxiety. I am not a doctor nor do I claim to be one, this is a collection of my research findings. My reason for wanting to learn more was my mother-in-law, who was undiagnosed for years and suffered with panic attack disorder. She was just called an "odd person" and lived for years without treatment, both she and her family suffered needlessly.
Anxiety attack or panic attack symptoms can vary in intensity from feeling uneasy in certain situations to full-blown sheer panic. Also we must remember that most warning signs could also be caused by other illness, which have to be ruled out by qualified medical staff.
There are six major types of anxiety disorder, each with their own distinct warning signs: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders respond very well to anxiety treatment and often in a relatively short amount of time. The specific treatment approach depends on the type of panic attack symptoms and its severity. In general, most anxiety disorders are treated with behavioral therapy, medication or some combination of the two.
The medications used for attacking anxiety and stress are covered under the title of antidepressants and anti-anxiety. These drugs are known under various trade and brand names. I will list the most common ones along with some of their side effects. Please keep in mind I am not a doctor and only your own doctor can prescribe these for you and decide if in fact, it is the correct treatment for you.
Tranquilizers or anxiety resistant medication relieve panic disorder by slowing down the central nervous system. They have a relaxing and calming properties and this has made them very popular. These drugs like the ones listed below work by reducing brain activity. They are fast acting usually providing relief within an hour. As with all medications, there are always the side effects to consider as well; these may vary with the amounts consumed and the length of use. Diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan) most common side effects are clumsiness or unsteadiness, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, slurred speech. The list goes on to more rare side effects such as trembling muscle spasm, abdominal or stomach cramps, or pain to other areas that need medical attention. Physical dependence (the need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with drugs such as Lorazepam and Diazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms might occur if the dose is much reduced or suddenly discontinued. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms include agitation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, tremors, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme unease, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Antidepressants are also used to overcome panic attack although they might be used for other disorders as well. Sertraline ( Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil) both belong to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They work by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. Unlike tranquilizers, it may take several weeks before the full benefits of these medications are achieved, as well the chance of addictions is much less.
Attacking anxiety with prescription drugs is no joke. Please make sure you consult your doctor before attempting to take something that may seriously hurt you. Some little pill a friend may give you, because his or her doctor prescribed them, may not look like much; but some of these little pills are really powerful. Please don't fool around with this, after all, it is your precious life.
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