Archive for June, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Inositol
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Passionflower
Sunday, June 27th, 2010Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Passionflower
Passionflower
This herb has mild sedative properties and is effective for mild to moderate anxiety. A study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapeutics looked at the effect of passionflower on 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. In a fourweek trial, 18 people took passionflower extract at a dose of 45 drops per day plus a placebo tablet, and 18 took oxazepam (Serax) at 30 mg per day plus placebo drops. Researchers found that passionflower extract and oxazepam (Serax) were both effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.No significant difference was observed between the two compounds at the end of trial. While oxazepam (Serax) showed a rapid onset of action, it also had more side effects such as significantly more problems relating to impairment of job performance. (more…)
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Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Kava
Friday, June 25th, 2010Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Kava
Kava plant
Kava has a history as a drink used by inhabitants of some Pacific islands. It has been shown to have anti-anxiety and muscle-relaxing effects without impairing reaction time when used at normal dosages. There is good evidence that kava supplements are effective in the treatment of anxiety. A meta-analysis of six studies using the total score on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale found that compared with placebo, kava extract appeared to be an effective symptomatic treatment option for anxiety. Kava has been shown to be similar in effectiveness to lowdose benzodiazepines (e.g.,Valium). (more…)
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Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Make sure to eat regular meals throughout the day, as low blood sugar levels can worsen anxiety.Consume a diet with high-quality proteins such as fish, turkey, eggs, legumes, and chicken along with nonstarchy vegetables such as salads, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.An adequate amount of fat in the diet is important to reduce anxiety.
Caffeine sources should be reduced or eliminated, as they may worsen the symptoms of anxiety. This includes coffee, chocolate, and many teas. The same can be true of simple sugar products, so it is best to reduce your intake of candy, soda pop, fruit juices, and white flour products.Avoid deep-fried foods, as they can interfere with your body
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Anxiety Drugs Buspirone
Friday, June 18th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Buspirone
Buspirone is marketed under the brand name Buspar.
HOW DOES THIS DRUG WORK?
This medication works by stimulating serotonin type 1A receptors on nerves, leading to a relaxation effect.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Buspirone reduces the symptoms of anxiety. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not cause sedation and is not considered addictive.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Light-headedness
- Excitement
- Insomnia
- Nasal congestion
- Nightmares
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)
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Anxiety Drugs Atypical Antidepressants
Monday, June 14th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Atypical Antidepressants
Drugs in this class of antidepressants work in a variety of ways. They act like SSRIs and TCAs but have different mechanisms of action, and they have similar side effects as those from SSRIs and TCSs. Common examples include:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and therefore increases the brain
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Anxiety Drugs Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Friday, June 11th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
This group of antidepressants has been used since the 1950s. They increase the brain
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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine
Friday, June 4th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine
- Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
SNRIs work mainly by increasing the amounts of two neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine. This improves alertness, energy, mood, and motivation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
These drugs can be effective for severe and chronic cases of depression.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Abdominal (stomach) pain or tenderness
- Itching
- Rash
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Increased sweating or flushing
- Loss of appetite, loss of weight
- Loss of sexual desire, erectile, or orgasm dysfunction
- Nausea
- Weakness or tiredness
- Weight gain or weight loss