1. Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
The choice to begin taking a medication for anxiety is relative to each individual's specific needs and desires. Anxiety is a normal human emotion that can become pervasive and chronic in some individuals, contributing to a decrease in life satisfaction and sometimes depression. Prolonged feelings of stress or the onset of panic attacks that are not manageable anymore are sometimes best treated with antianxiety drugs to reduce anxiety levels in the brain, making the symptoms less noticeable. Mild stress or anxiety can usually be alleviated through diet, exercise and counseling.
2. All Drugs Are Not Created Equal
Antianxiety medication comes in many shapes and sizes. Most antianxiety drugs work on the portions of the brain that control fear and impulses in order to help alleviate anxiety symptoms in clients. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed by doctors for treatment. Benzodiazepines include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro, Paxil and Effexor, which help to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Some SSRIs are more effective than others in treating anxiety disorders. Social anxiety has been effectively treated using Prozac, while general anxiety is most commonly treated with moderate dosages of Paxil or Lexapro. Situational or short-term antianxiety medications include Xanax, Ativan and the diazapine Valium, which are still prescribed judiciously given their addictive qualities and the severity of side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
3. Stick to Prescribed Doses and Instructions
As with any medication, antianxiety drugs should be taken as prescribed by the physician. In some cases, antianxiety medication will only be required before the anticipation of a stress trigger that causes anxiety; for example, 30 to 60 minutes before an anxiety-provoking situation is going to be prevalent, the drug will be taken. However, most antianxiety medications are taken daily at a dosage predetermined by your doctor according to the level and severity of your anxiety. Antianxiety medication is most effective after 4 to 6 weeks of introduction into the blood stream. However, some medications, like Lexapro, take less time, so you may see results in as little as 1 week.
4. Watch Sedative Side Effects
The risks associated with benzodiazepines should be considered with your physician before beginning a cycle of treatment. Since most antianxiety medications work as a sedative, there are risks involved in their consumption. You must be alert enough to function, but calm enough to be comfortable. Test drugs with a trial period before determining whether to settle upon that particular medication. Any undesirable sedative effect such as excessive drowsiness, motor skill impairment, impaired judgment, narcolepsy, depression or blurred vision should be reported to your doctor once you notice symptoms.
5. Try Natural Options for Anxiety
While various medications are prescribed for anxiety by doctors, many people find the holistic alternatives to standard anxiety treatment preferable. Natural herbal remedies like Kava Kava root, chamomile, green tea or Valerian extract have been very useful for some individuals in treating anxiety symptoms.
