A Guide To Side Effects Of Commonly Prescribed Anxiety Medications
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 used in the treatment of panic attacks and depression accompanied by anxiousness. They act as mood enhancers by raising levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Their interaction with the nervous system can result in a number of unwanted consequences. These include a dry mouth, increased sweating, constipation, difficulty urinating, temporarily blurred vision, erectile failure, weight gain and elevated heart rate.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOIs must be used cautiously due to their inherent dangers. They tend to be prescribed to patients with unusual symptoms or those for whom other anxiety medications have not been effective. They block the process that lowers brain levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Unfortunately, they also block the process that lowers levels of tyramine. Excess tyramine can produce a rise in blood pressure so intense that a brain hemorrhage can result. Taken in conjunction with high tyramine foods or certain medications, MAOIs can greatly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Beta blockers have no effect on the psychological component of anxiety. Rather, they reduce its physical manifestations by blocking the release of adrenaline. They are used to control panic symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trembling, tightness in the chest, sweating and hot flushes. Daily use of beta blockers could result in slowed heartbeat, constant tiredness, diarrhea or nausea and numbness in the hands and feet.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs include popular antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft. They increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin and are used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and general anxiety. Ironically, for some people, SSRIs actually increase feelings of worry, panic and agitation rather than reducing them. Adverse effects associated with SSRIs include loss of appetite, impaired sexual function, nausea, blurred vision and dizziness.
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.
For any individuals who require help in controlling stress, anxiety medications can provide relief. An anxiety cure is possible, but should be closely monitored to avoid negative side effects.