Anxiety Medications: What You Need to Know Before Using Them

Do you suffer from anxiety? Are you looking for an effective way to treat your condition? Read on to learn more about anxiety medications!

KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA  — Anxiety disorders affect millions of people in the United States each year. Anxiety medications can help reduce the symptoms of these disorders, but there are risks associated with taking them.

What are Anxiety Medications?

Anxiety medications are used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others. 

These medications work by affecting chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.

Types of Anxiety Medications

There are two main categories of anxiety medication: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines. SSRIs are antidepressants that affect serotonin levels in the brain. 

Benzodiazepines are sedatives that affect GABA receptors in the brain. Both classes of medication are effective at treating anxiety symptoms. 

However, each has its own set of side effects.

Side effects of using them

Common side effects of both classes of medication include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and sexual dysfunction. 

In addition, some people who take these medications develop an increased sensitivity to light, noise, or other stimuli.

Benefits of Anxiety Medications

There are two main classes of anxiety medications: benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos”) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

Both classes of medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Benzodiazepines affect GABA receptors, while SSRIs affect serotonin receptors.

When should you take these medications?

If you suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, you should consider taking an anti-anxiety medication. However, there are some situations where you shouldn’t take these drugs. 

First, you should avoid them if you have certain medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or seizures. 

Second, you should also avoid using these medications if you have a history of substance abuse or dependence. 

Third, you should not use these medications if you have taken other psychiatric medications within the past 14 days. 

Finally, you should never stop taking these medications without first talking with your doctor.