Do Anxiety Drugs Really Work?

Anxiety disorder is a term used to cover a variety of abnormal fears. The disorder was introduced to the world of psychiatry at the end of the 19th century. Currently anxiety disorders are of wide varieties. Some of such types of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder etc. Statistics reveal that 18% of Americans are being affected by one or more varieties of anxiety disorder.

The causes of anxiety are of three broad categories. The first category falls under genetic conditions. Certain research suggests that the family history plays a crucial role in the development of anxiety. Brain chemistry is the second category which associates with an abnormal level of neurotransmitters in the brain. The last category being environmental factors are related to external trauma and stressful events leading to anxiety.

An individual suffering from this will experience unrealistic fears and excessive tension of a particular situation or an event. Even though the impact of anxiety is directly psychological, it has the probability of leading to physical symptoms and impacts as well. Some of such physical impacts includes muscle tensions, headaches etc. Therefore treatments for such conditions become crucial in helping the patient live a peaceful and healthy life.

Options of anxiety treatment are of many categories, namely; therapy, medication, biofeedback, hypnosis and acupuncture. However among all above options, the option of medications through the use of anxiety drugs is the most common. Anxiety drugs are also of many types catering to varying levels and types of anxiety.

Anti anxiety medicine are a traditional anxiety drug which provides relief by slowing down the central nervous system. This type of anxiety drug is the most widely prescribed type due to its calming and relaxing effect. Among many types of anti anxiety drugs Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used drugs. Types of Benzodiazepines include, Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan.

However despite the quick response and highly effective nature of the above types of anxiety medicine, the side effects of the drug should not be overlooked. The drug merely provides temporarily relief but its long term side effects can be permanent. Some of the common side effects of the anxiety drug Benzodiazepines include lack of energy, clumsiness, slurred speech, depression, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, blurred vision etc.

Nonetheless newer classes of anxiety medicine such as beta blockers and anti depressants are also being introduced to the market.However since anxiety drugs are well known to provide temporary relief and its discontinuation often leads to experiencing full force symptoms of anxiety, it is often recommended to balance a right level of anxiety drugs with an appropriate level of therapy or some other form of anxiety treatment to experience long term relief from anxiety disorder.