Is medication safe to treat nightmares anxiety?

Added: 11/29/2006

Anxiety is a common occurrence. Most people feel anxious before or after stressful situations like a big presentation or a traumatic event. But if anxiety is taking over your life and disrupting your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a feeling much like fear, but comes in response to a perceived, anticipated, or imagined danger or threat, rather than a tangible, immediate threat. Anxiety takes many forms, and a limited amount of anxiety is a normal part of everyday life. But if anxiety is preventing you from living fully, it's time to get help.

Many different types of medications are used in the treatment of nightmares anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. These medications can be effective in controlling and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. However, nightmares anxiety medication should not be thought of as a cure. While various prescription medications may provide temporary relief from anxiety, they don't treat the underlying cause of the anxiety disorder. As a result, relapse rates are high when drug treatment is stopped. As mentioned above, the medications prescribed for anxiety disorders come with their own risks and disadvantages. The biggest risks involve adverse effects, dependence, and withdrawal. Special warnings should also be considered.

All drugs, from over-the-counter cold medicine to prescription medications, have side effects. The medications used in the treatment of nightmares anxiety are no exception. The anxiety side effects profiles are different for each medication. It is important to learn about the common side effects of the anxiety medication you are considering. However, everyone reacts differently to drug treatment and so it is impossible to predict what side effects you will experience. Adverse reactions can range from mild nuisances such as tremors or dry mouth to severe nausea or considerable weight gain that you aren't willing to tolerate. For any anxiety medication, you will have to weigh the side effects against the benefits.
Drug dependence can be an issue with anxiety medication. The benzodiazepines (common brand names include Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium) in particular are extremely addictive with prolonged use. Within just a few weeks, tolerance to the drugs can develop. The result is that higher dosages are needed to get the same relief as before. As dependence on the anxiety medication increases, it becomes difficult to stop taking it.

Withdrawal is also an issue with SSRIs such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. If discontinued too quickly, you may suffer from symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and memory problems. Severe anxiety and depression are also common withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often mistaken for a return of the original problem and medication is restarted.
Fortunately, anxiety symptoms, disorders, and nightmares anxiety attacks are treatable and you can do many things to control and reduce the anxiety in your life. While medication can provide relief from anxiety, drug treatment is not a cure and comes with dangers of its own.

There are many treatment alternatives to medication, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is widely accepted to be the most effective treatment for anxiety. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, and a healthy diet can also make a difference in your anxiety levels. Other effective treatments for anxiety include talk therapy, group therapy, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and acupuncture. The advantage of non-drug treatments for anxiety is that they produce lasting changes and long-term relief. In order to decide whether medication is right for you, it's important to weigh the benefits against the risks. Once you've researched your options, you can make an informed decision.

Rate this article:

Bad

Good

Article comments:

No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!

Return to top of the page