Anti-Anxiety Medications and Alprazolam
Benzodiazepines
Most benzodiazepines, Alprazolam included, are very effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Some medications belonging to the Benzodiazepine group are also utilized in treating social phobia and panic disorder. Benzodiazepines are known to be fast-acting medication. However, one of their major side effects is drowsiness, and they also have the potential for patients to become dependent on these drugs. Patients who are taking benzodiazepines usually experience returning to their anxiety symptoms if the taking of the medication is discontinued. It is also possible that temporary withdrawal symptoms are experienced. Such problems may be minimized if the doctor and patient work together towards the success of the medication.
Azaspirones
Azaspirones is a class of medication, which like Benzodiazepines and specifically Alprazolam, is effective in generalized anxiety disorder treatment. It gradually works over two to four weeks to work in the relief of GAD symptoms. What is good about Azaspirones is that it does not cause any degree of sedation, impair the patient’s memory or sense of balance, nor does Azaspirones potentiate the ill effects of alcohol. Unlike Alprazolam, it is not habit-forming and patients can discontinue its use without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. There is good tolerance on the medication, and it’s side effects, while quite a number, are mostly not very serious to make most takers of the drug to discontinue it’s use.
Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers are very effective anti-anxiety medications that are mainly taken for the reduction of specific symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, tremors, palpitations and the control of anxiety especially when in public situations. Beta Blockers are usually prescribed for those individuals who possess social phobia. A good effect of beta blockers is that they work effectively in the reduction of blood pressure and the slowing down of your heartbeat.
Tricyclics (TCAs)
These medications are initially used in the treatment of depression, albeit some of them are likewise effective in the blocking of panic attacks. Most TCAs are also effective in reducing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD as it is known, and a number of them also work effectively against OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. Generally, tricyclics medications take effect after two to four weeks. When taken regularly, some patients gain weight being one of the more common side effects. Other side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness and impairment in sexual functions.
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
These are considered the latest medications that are available for the treatment of anxiety disorders. SSRIs are considered a very effective treatment for patients with panic disorder. Likewise, they are also effective in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. One of the most common side effects of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors is mild nausea, although this effect on the patient tends to wear over time. For some takers of the medication, sexual dysfunction and ejaculatory delay are also side effects, two good reasons why some patients are hesitant in taking them.