The National Institutes of Health estimates that 40 million Americans older than the age of 18 suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe and differ from a normal reaction to stress. In severe cases, anxiety disorders can interfere with relationships, work, school and daily functioning. Anafranil is an antidepressant used to decrease symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety
Anxiety is potentially disabling condition characterized by extreme worry, uneasiness and fear. An individual with anxiety can become phobic of certain places or situations, while another can suffer from panic attacks. Some individuals develop obsessions and compulsions to help decrease anxiety symptoms.
Anafranil
Anafranil is an antidepressant that blocks the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine from being taken up by cells in the brain. Increased serotonin and norepinephrine are thought to decrease symptoms of anxiety, decrease obsessive thinking and minimize anxiety related to phobias. The American Family Physician states that 20 to 40 percent of individuals will experience increased anxiety, restlessness and agitation during the first few weeks of treatment with Anafranil, but slowly increasing the dose can help minimize these side effects. Because Anafranil has many side effects, it usually used after treatment with other medications has failed to reduce anxiety.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Anafranil include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache nausea, irritability, weakness and changes in weight. Common side effects are not life-threatening and usually go away as an individual's body adjusts to the medication. Severe side effects that require medical attention include confusion, increased heart rate, chest pain, worsening of anxiety or panic attacks, stomach pain, uncontrolled movements of the limbs, twitching of the face and numbness or tingling skin.
Warnings
In children and young adults, Anafranil can cause suicidal thinking and behavior. Children and young adults should be monitored closely while taking Anafranil. Drugs.com states that children and young adults who show agitation, increased anxiety, hostility and extreme activity should be seen by a doctor immediately.
Anafranil can increase the risk of seizures in some individuals. Individuals with a history of seizures, alcoholic use and brain damage should be monitored while taking Anafranil. Drugs.com states in a study on Anafranil, a 1.45 percent incidence of seizures occured at 365 days. Doctors are advised to limit Anafranil to 250mg a day in adults who pose a seizure risk.
Dosage
MayoClinic.com states that children, young adults and adults the initial dose of Anafranil is initially 25mg a day. Doses are increased until symptoms of anxiety have decreased; however, the dose does not usually exceed 250mg a day. For children, the maximum dose is 200mg a day.
