Patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder are typically prescribed some sort of medication. In most cases this is intended as a temporary measure to ease symptoms so that they feel better able to engage with counseling or cognitive behavior therapy. In instances where psychological treatments prove ineffective, the long term use of medication may be recommended. Because any drug can have unwanted consequences, it is important to weigh up the benefits versus the drawbacks. Some side effects of commonly prescribed anxiety medications are listed below.
Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers such as diazepam, lorazepam and temazepam. These drugs work by boosting the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid. Alcohol acts in a similar way. Consequently, some of the side effects of benzodiazepines can be mistaken for signs of drunkenness. They include impaired judgement, forgetfulness, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech and unsteadiness. Higher dosages will result in more significant problems.
Tricyclic Antidepressants are prescribed to treat panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder in addition to depression. They help patients to feel less anxious by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As these drugs interact with other aspects of the nervous system, they can produce unpleasant symptoms throughout the body. These may include increased heart rate, weight gain, sweating, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, erectile dysfunction and blurred vision.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOIs are prescribed cautiously due to their potential dangers. They are generally used only after other drugs have failed. They work by blocking the enzyme that lowers levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Unfortunately they also block the process that controls levels of tyramine. When tyramine levels reach a critical point, blood pressure can skyrocket, resulting in a fatal brain hemorrhage. People using MAOIs have to carefully avoid foods containing tyramine as well as certain medications.
Beta blockers reduce the body's ability to produce adrenaline. This effectively lessons the physical symptoms of panic attacks such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, chest pain, agitation, trembling and blushing. Some people who take a daily dose of beta blockers experience light-headedness, fatigue, insomnia, diarrhea or numbness in the hands and feet.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants used to treat a range of anxiety problems including obsessive-compulsive disorder. They work by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In some people, SSRIs seem to worsen the symptoms they are meant to treat, increasing feelings of panic and restlessness. The most common adverse effects include nausea, low sex drive, loss of appetite, dizziness and blurred vision. In rare cases use of SSRIs may cause hallucinations or impaired muscle control.
Patients experiencing severe or prolonged side effects from anxiety medications should discuss the situation with their physician. Sometimes problems can be alleviated simply by lowering the dose of a drug. In other cases, a different type of medication can provide equally effective symptom relief with fewer complications.
Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers such as diazepam, lorazepam and temazepam. These drugs work by boosting the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid. Alcohol acts in a similar way. Consequently, some of the side effects of benzodiazepines can be mistaken for signs of drunkenness. They include impaired judgement, forgetfulness, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech and unsteadiness. Higher dosages will result in more significant problems.
Tricyclic Antidepressants are prescribed to treat panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder in addition to depression. They help patients to feel less anxious by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As these drugs interact with other aspects of the nervous system, they can produce unpleasant symptoms throughout the body. These may include increased heart rate, weight gain, sweating, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, erectile dysfunction and blurred vision.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOIs are prescribed cautiously due to their potential dangers. They are generally used only after other drugs have failed. They work by blocking the enzyme that lowers levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Unfortunately they also block the process that controls levels of tyramine. When tyramine levels reach a critical point, blood pressure can skyrocket, resulting in a fatal brain hemorrhage. People using MAOIs have to carefully avoid foods containing tyramine as well as certain medications.
Beta blockers reduce the body's ability to produce adrenaline. This effectively lessons the physical symptoms of panic attacks such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, chest pain, agitation, trembling and blushing. Some people who take a daily dose of beta blockers experience light-headedness, fatigue, insomnia, diarrhea or numbness in the hands and feet.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants used to treat a range of anxiety problems including obsessive-compulsive disorder. They work by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In some people, SSRIs seem to worsen the symptoms they are meant to treat, increasing feelings of panic and restlessness. The most common adverse effects include nausea, low sex drive, loss of appetite, dizziness and blurred vision. In rare cases use of SSRIs may cause hallucinations or impaired muscle control.
Patients experiencing severe or prolonged side effects from anxiety medications should discuss the situation with their physician. Sometimes problems can be alleviated simply by lowering the dose of a drug. In other cases, a different type of medication can provide equally effective symptom relief with fewer complications.
About the Author:
For any persons who need help in controlling stress, anxiety medications can provide relief. An anxiety cure is possible, but must be closely monitored to avoid negative side effects.
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