Archive for the ‘Anxiety’ Category

Anxiety Drugs Buspirone

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Anxiety 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, 2010

Anxiety 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, 2010

Anxiety 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, 2010

Anxiety 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

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin so that it remains active in the brain longer before being broken down and reabsorbed. The neurotransmitter serotonin gives the sensation of well-being.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Improvement in depression, generally with fewer side effects than other categories of antidepressants. SSRIs have fewer side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which we discuss below. Unlike MAO inhibitors, SSRIs do not interact with the amino acid tyramine found in certain foods. Also, SSRIs do not cause orthostatic hypotension and heart rhythm disturbances, as tricyclic antidepressants can. SSRIs are often the first-line pharmaceutical choice for depression.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

MAJOR CAUTIONS

Tremors can be a side effect of SSRIs. Serotonergic syndrome, in which serotonin levels are too high, is a serious but rare condition associated with the use of SSRIs. Symptoms can include high fevers, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. (more…)

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Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

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Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines

  1. Alprazolam Extended-Release (Xanax XR)
  2. Alprazolam oral solution (Alprazolam Intensol)
  3. Alprazolam tablets (Niravam, Xanax)
  4. Chlordiazepoxide (Libritabs, Librium)
  5. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  6. Clorazepate (Tranxene, Tranxene T, Tranxene-SD)
  7. Diazepam (Valium)
  8. Lorazepam (Ativan)
  9. Oxazepam (Serax)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter known as gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). They bind to GABA receptors, which slows down the activity of nerve cells. This causes an inhibitory and relaxant effect.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

These drugs provide rapid relief for those with anxiety. (more…)

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What Is Anxiety?

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives: What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety

Anxiety

It is normal to feel anxiety or worry at times. However, feeling anxious without reason or having it disrupt functioning in daily life can be signs of a generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include:

  1. Restlessness
  2. Being keyed up or feeling on edge
  3. Sensation of a lump in your throat
  4. Difficulty concentrating
  5. Fatigue
  6. Irritability
  7. Impatience
  8. Being easily distracted
  9. Muscle tension
  10. Trouble falling or staying asleep
  11. Excessive sweating
  12. Shortness of breath
  13. Stomachache
  14. Diarrhea
  15. Headache

Conventional treatment usually consists of anti-anxiety medications and psychotherapy. Natural medicines offer a much safer long-term approach. Addressing underlying psychological and spiritual imbalances is the key to prevention.

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