Anxiety is an increasingly prevalent psychiatric diagnosis that affects millions of people in the United Sates and around the world. Anxiety can be caused by major stressors, lifestyle and habits of a person. Everybody experiences some degree of anxiety in their lives but according to "Generalized Anxiety Disorder," an article published by the Mayo Clinic online, if the condition escalates to the degree that it interferes with the person's normal daily functioning and activities, then they might have an anxiety disorder.
There are currently three common classes of anti-anxiety medications that have been approved by the FDA in the market that are available only by prescription from a board certified doctor. These drugs fall into the three categories known as Anti-depressants, Benzodiazepines and Buspirone. Some commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs that belong to these groups are Prozac, Lexapro, Valium, Xanax and Buspar. Like most medications, side effects are associated with these drugs which can cause serious consequences, and even death, if not taken or managed properly by a trained physician.
Buspar (Buspirone)
Buspirone, also known as Buspar, is a common anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drug prescribed for patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The medication's biochemical properties and structure usually mean it takes a few weeks before it can become fully effective in the body. Like most prescription drugs, Buspar has several side effects including headaches, feeling light headed, inability to sleep and nausea.
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
A common anti-anxiety drug prescribed by doctors for diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is fluoxetine, or common trade name, Prozac. This drug belongs to the class of antidepressants that possess biochemical properties that affect levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters modulate and control emotions and behaviors in an individual. Biochemically, Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI, and possess the innate property to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain to control and maintain mental stability. Some common side effects of Prazac are nervousness, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite and loss of sex drive.
Valium (Diazepam)
Another group of anti-anxiety medications belong to a class commonly known as benzodiazepines. Valium or diazepam is common benzodiazepine drug used to treat acute anxiety attacks. Valium and other benzodiazeoines, such as Ativan and Xanax, are only used for short-term management of anxiety due to their addictive and habit-forming properties. Valium has several common side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness, and can affect motor coordination and balance. This drug can also cause serious side effects, for example, seizures and an irregular heart beat. It can even cause death, in overdose situations or when taken without proper medical management and oversight from a trained physician.
Medication Precautions
It is always important to take precautions and follow the directions and instructions on the prescription labels and take the medication according to the doctor's orders. All drugs have specific mechanism of actions and different affects in the body.
Be informed and learn about the drugs you are taking. Inform your doctor about any allergies to anti-anxiety medications, or if you are currently taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications that could interact adversely with anxiety drugs, such as antihistamines, ketoconazole, oral contraceptives, sleeping pills. Always take the drugs according to the scheduled instructions and do not miss a dosage as this will reduce the effect and potency of the medications.
Abuse and Addiction
Some anti-anxiety drugs, such as Valium and Xanax, can predispose an individual to become addicted to the medications and increase drug dependency. Th mechanism of action of these drugs can alter the levels of neurotransmitters affecting behaviors and increasing the potential for abuse and addiction. Chronic long-term use will likely increase tolerance and dependency since it will result in escalating dosages for the individual to function normally. In these situations, sudden withdrawal of the anti-anxiety medication can cause serious side effects including death. Usually patients who have developed tolerance or addiction to these drugs are tapered down in dosage levels over a period of time to avoid serious complications.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 11th, 2009
- PubMed Health; Fluoxtine; National Library of Medicine; NIH; January 2010
- PubMed Health; Diazepam; National Library of Medicine; NIH; September 2008
- Medline Plus; Drug Dependency; National Library of Medicine; NIH; Febraury 2010
