Medication

Medication can be very helpful for sufferers of anxiety as its decreases anxiety symptoms whilst you are taking it. HOWEVER, MEDICATION DOES NOT CURE ANXIETY DISORDERS. Some people may choose not to use medication, others will choose to combine cognitive behavioural therapy or some other type of therapy with medication, and some people may only utilize medication.

THE BENEFITS OF MEDICATION

• Medication can decrease the distressing physical symptoms of anxiety: e.g. heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, etc.

• Medication can reduce the negative thoughts experienced by anxiety sufferers.

• Anxiety sufferers, who also have depression, can find anti-depressant medication improves their mood as well as decreasing their anxiety

SELECTIVE SERTAONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRI'S)
These drugs are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression, anti anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI"S. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox,& Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.

Limitations
SSRI drugs can interact with other drugs so before taking any medication in addition to your SSRI you should check with your doctor that is safe to do so.

Side Effects
Side effects may include: poor sleep, fatigue and increased sweating. There may also be an adverse impact on one's sexual functioning.

SERONTOIN & NORADRENALINE RE-UPTAKE INHIBITORS (SNRI'S)
SNRI antidepressants influence the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine(Effexor) is an example of a SNRI.

Side Effects
Side effects may include: nausea, sexual dysfunction, sweating, sleep disturbance and tremours, as well as an increase in blood pressure.

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOI'S)
These drugs are antidepressants and work by inhibiting the breakdown of serotinin and norepinephrine, therefore the levels of these neurotransmitters rise and cause a decrease in anxiety.

Limitations:
People taking this form of medication have to follow a strict diet. They must not eat certain foods which contain tyramine (e.g.most aged cheeses, most alcoholic beverages, sausage products & Marmite) as these foods can interact with the medication to suddenly increase blood pressure and cause symptoms such as headache and vomiting. Users of MAOIs also have to be careful about drugs they take in addition to their MAOI. A severe high blood pressure reaction, in response to inappropriate food, beverages or medication, left untreated can lead to stroke or death.

Side Effects:
Common side effects of MAOIS include: insomnia, fatigue or drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain.

BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines include drugs such as Valium, Ducene, Serepax, Xanax, Kalma. Benzodiazepines work very quickly to calm you but their effects do not last long.

Side effects:
Single doses can cause fatigue and drowsiness and therefore can reduce your ability to think on your feet (e.g. in a job interview or oral exam).

Limitations
Benzodiazepines have some significant drawbacks. Firstly, people who take benzodiazepines on a daily basis for more than a few weeks may become physically dependent upon them. Therefore, these drugs should not be ceased abruptly as there is the risk of rebound anxiety and withdrawal effects. Please note: Anyone planning to reduce and or cease their benzodiazepines should do so in consultation with their doctor.

Secondly, these drugs may be abused; therefore people who have a history of substance abuse may be advised to avoid benzodiazepines.

Thirdly. alcohol should not be consumed when you are taking benzodiazepines as it increases the sedative effect of the medication.

Furthernore, people taking benzodiazpines need to exercise caution re driving or operating potentially dangerous machinery until they work out how they respond to the medication..

Side Effects
Side effects may include: poor memory, fatigue, sleeping longer, impaired coordination, and loss of interest in sex. Benzodiazepines may also worsen a sufferer's depression.

Beta blockers
Beta blockers, such as Inderal, are used to treat anxiety.
Beta blockers can alleviate heart palpitations and stop one's hands from trembling as they block adrenaline receptors in the heart and muscles. They may also be helpful for blushing and sweating. These drugs are taken about an hour before a feared event. and their effects last a couple of hours.

Limitations:
Beta blockers appear to be best used for performance anxiety : ie public speaking, exams, music recitals etc. Beta blockers may be less effective at reducing negative .anxiety provoking thoughts than they are at reducing physical anxiety symptoms such as heart palpitations and tremor. One of the limitations of using beta blockers is that if a feared social event is sprung on you without warning you don't have an hour for the drugs to take effect.

Side effects:
Beta blockers generally cannot be used by asthmatics, diabetics or people with some forms of heart disease

Burns, D. D (1999). The Feeling Good Handbook. New York, New York. Plume.

The information provided here is only a summary and is NOT intended as a substitute for a medical consultation. Should you be interested in taking medication for your social anxiety, you should discuss the pros and cons of treatment, side effects and so forth with a doctor. A number of factors need to be taken into account when prescribing medication, e.g. the nature of your social anxiety, your medical history, & the other drugs you are taking and advice should be sought from a doctor.

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