Which Anxiety Medication
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Anxiolytic medications reduce the symptoms of anxiety including nervousness, muscle tension, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
Individuals with autism experience increased stress throughout their lives which can provoke anxiety.
Coping with daily demands and sensory integration issues can be extremely overwhelming for them as well as their family.
The benzodiazepines are commonly used for anxiety, social phobias, and panic disorder. The benzodiazepines work on GABA to reduce anxiety levels and to calm the nervous system.
Some common benzodiazepines are listed below.
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonepin (clonazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- Serax (oxazepam)
- Tranxene (clorazepate)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
Tolerance and dependence may become problems with the benzodiazepines when used chronically. Tolerance refers to needing more and more medication in order to achieve the same effect. Dependence means that symptoms develop if the medication is suddenly stopped. These withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, insomnia, shakiness, headache, and even seizures and psychosis.
BuSpar (azapirone) is an atypical anxiolytic which does not have issues with tolerance and dependence.
Antihistamines are usually used for allergy treatment. However, they produce considerable sedation as a side effect, and, therefore, help indirectly with anxiety reduction. Two common antihistamines are listed below.
- Atarax (hydroxyzine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Sedation, poor coordination, and confusion are the main side effects of anxiety medications. You should not take alcohol, sedatives, or muscle relaxants with these medications. Anxiolytics should be weaned under the supervision of your physician and never stopped suddenly on your own.
Other medications which help reduce symptoms of anxiety are listed below.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
- Atypical antidepressants
- Beta blockers
- Alpha blockers
Please discuss your questions and concerns about these medications with your pharmacist and physician.
Learn more about discount online pharmacy solutions for your medication.
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