Anxiety disorders impact the lives of million of people around the world. Causing fear, distress and even depression, these illnesses are quite often very treatable. One of the ways many people find that can help them alleviate symptoms involves the use of anxiety medications.
Anxiety medications are quite useful for treating some of the most distressing symptoms of these disorders. For example, they can lessen the impacts of panic attacks. They can also be used to help people maintain a greater semblance of control, allowing them to work through other issues that tend to crop up when anxiety disorders are present. Anxiety medications are almost never prescribed on their own for the treatment of disorders.
2 Types Of Anxiety Medications Are Commonly Used
Doctors who prescribe anxiety medications have a number of brand and generic names at their disposal. The aim in using most of these medications is to bring symptoms under control while other forms of therapy are used to help a person cope with the disorder. Psychotherapy, for example, is often advised for anxiety disorders. So, too, are relaxation techniques and other forms of therapy. The idea is to give a person with an anxiety disorder relief in the present while offering long-term solutions to help them cope.
The two main classes of anxiety medications include:
Anti-anxiety. These are designed to ease the pressures of anxiety itself. They can work very fast and quite well. The biggest concern with these medications, such as Valium and Xanax, is that they can be habit forming. They can also impact a person’s ability to stay awake and perform necessary functions. This type of medication is generally prescribed for short-term situational uses. Long-term use is generally not acceptable due to potential side effects.
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Antidepressants. Medications like Lexapro, Paxil and Prozac are commonly used to help treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Sometimes they are prescribed in conjunction with anti-anxiety medications. Antidepressants are generally used for a longer duration and can take some time to start working. In addition to fighting some of the symptoms of anxiety, this type of prescription can also help with depression. This, unfortunately, is a common side effect of anxiety disorder.
Living with anxiety disorders is not always an easy under taking. When fears of panic attacks loom and symptoms are out of control, many find relief in anxiety medications. Because of their potential for becoming habit forming and other long-term side effects, these medications are quite often not the only form of treatment recommended. When they are used in conjunction with other coping mechanisms, people can regain control of their lives.
