Anti-anxiety Drugs
Popular Meds
Medications for anti-anxiety are often called tranquilizers and they work by slowing down your central nervous system. These are the most popular of all medications for relief from anxiety symptoms. Sometimes they are also prescribed as muscle relaxants or as sleeping aids.
Fast Acting
The most common of all the anti-anxiety drugs are the family of Benzodiazepines and include Xanax (alprazolam), Kolnopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam). These are fast acting drugs and bring relief within half an hour to an hour. That makes them great for a panic attack or an intense anxiety episode. Of course, they do have their side effects to consider, some of which are quite severe. Therefore, many doctors will not recommend Benzodiazepines for their patients.
Dangerous Side Effects
Benzodiazepines work by making the brain less active, so this is bound to have repercussions other than relief from anxiety. The higher the dose, the worse the side effects are likely to be. Some people are just very sensitive, and even a low dose of these medications can make them feel foggy and unfocused, making for problems at work, school, and during everyday activities like driving. Some people even experience a hangover the day after a dose.
Another issue to consider is the fact that benzodiazepine doesn't leave the body very fast and so it can tend to build up in your system over time. This can cause over-sedation. Over-sedation can look like drunkenness.
- Here are the most common side effects of benzodiazepines (tranquilizers):
- Blurry or double vision
- Stomach upset or nausea
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Impaired judgment and lack of concentration
- Vertigo and lightheadedness
- Depression
- Disorientation and confusion
- Slurring of speech
- Slow reaction time and clumsiness
- Fatigue and apathy
- Hostility and rage
- Mania
- Hallucinations
- Impulsive or aggressive behavior
Depression is the most common side effect of these drugs and long-term benzodiazepine users are almost always depressed. High doses are associated with a risk for both depression and suicidal tendencies. There is also a tendency toward emotional numbness or a blunting of feeling. While the medication dulls anxiety, it also dampens feelings of pain and pleasure.
There's sometimes a paradox, though, and some people who take benzodiazepine find that they feel excitement, increased anxiety, agitation, and irritability. Sometimes such reactions can be even more severe and include symptoms such as:
These side effects are less common but can be dangerous and are mostly seen in children, the elderly, and those with developmental issues.
The drowsiness and poor coordination seen with these medications can contribute to accidents and it has been proven that these medications increase your risk of being involved in a serious traffic accident.
Keep in mind, too, that these medications may interact with other substances or can lead to other problems if taken over long periods of time. In addition, some people even have a serious adverse reaction, so even if you use these drugs the right way, they can't be deemed completely safe.
It is best to consult with your doctor in order to find the best medicine for you.
