Medication is one of the most used treatment methods for preventing and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. There are in fact thousands of medications on the market that have been approved for the treatment of anxiety by the Federal Drug Association. However, the majority of anxiety medications are extremely expensive, even when purchased in generic form. Additionally, many insurance providers do not cover this variety of medication.

How Effective is Anxiety Medication?

There is no denying that medication can be very effective in treating various types of anxiety. However, there are numerous degrees and levels of anxiety that can simply be treated by all natural remedies that are less expensive and more effective. The problem is that many people are not familiar with all natural treatments and believe that medication is the only way to treat their anxiety.

Side Effects of Anxiety Medication

Additionally, many varieties of anxiety medication have very damaging side effects. In fact, many types of anxiety medication can actually increase various symptoms and can additionally cause additional side effects. Some of the side effects caused by these medications can be more damaging and hard to deal with then common symptoms associated with anxiety.

Some forms of anxiety medication have also been proven to actually cause major complications and side effects such as: migraines, mental fatigue, sleep disorders, seizures, digestive issues, depression, and eating disorders.  It is recommended that anyone who is considering the use of anxiety medications should first explore all the other options available. Additionally, you should acquire as much information as possible about the medication you are thinking about taking and the side effects that you could possibly experience.

If and when you begin taking anxiety medication you should immediately note any negative effects which they experience. If you notice any major or unbearable side effects from the medication you should immediately contact your physician or health care provider. It is crucial to always monitor your side effects in order to avoid potentially damaging effects to your overall physical and mental health.

Herein you will discover some very effective medications used in the treatment of anxiety. You will also find a listing of any and all side effects that may be experienced by a person who chooses to use the medication. As always, consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your behavior or general health after taking any type of prescription medication.

Anxiety Medication #1: Zoloft

Zoloft, also known as Sertraline, is one of the most prescribed medications for the treatment of anxiety. This form of medication is in a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). This same class of medication also includes many other medications used in anxiety treatment such as Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, and Luvox.

The human body naturally produces serotonin. This neurotransmitter is produced by nerve cells that are located within the brain. The body naturally knows how to distribute serotonin. However, many people who suffer from anxiety will experience an imbalance of their serotonin levels which will cause the effects of their particular type of anxiety. In fact, serotonin levels are thought to be the root cause of many forms of depression. 

When a person takes Zoloft it serves the purpose of balancing out the levels of serotonin in a person’s brain. In effect it will actually alleviate the symptoms that are caused by anxiety. This variety of anxiety medication has been used to treat the following types of anxiety: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.

The following side effects may be experienced by an individual who uses Zoloft: tiredness, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, body tremors, dry mouth, weight loss, a decrease in appetite, stomach pains and nausea, changes in sex drive and in ejaculation, heart palpitations, mania and even bipolar disorder. It has also been known to cause suicidal thoughts in people who use it or an extreme bought of depression or other behavioral changes.

Anxiety Medication #2: Paxil

Paxil carries out the same purposes as Zoloft. It corrects imbalances in the brain caused by a lack of serotonin. Apart from Zoloft and Prozac, it is the most prescribed anxiety medication on the market. However, Paxil has been known to have very dangerous side effects.

The side effects of Paxil include: anxiety, which is odd since it is suppose to decrease anxiety, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pains, loss of appetite and weight loss, constipation, stomach ulcers, bleeding of the stomach, sweating, an increase of blood pressure and most noticeably it has been known to cause seizures in individuals who have never experienced a seizure before.

Anxiety Medication #3: Prozac

At one time Prozac was the most prescribed medication for people who suffered from anxiety. In fact, many doctors would prescribe Prozac “like candy” to children who had behavior issues or suffered from depression.  However, due to the major side effects caused by Prozac, doctors are being more careful when it comes to prescribing this variety of medication.  Additionally, a person who begins taking this medication has to be monitored until their body adjusts to the levels of medication. This is done in case an individual experiences suicidal thoughts or dangerous mood swings.

Prozac contains all the side effects which Zoloft and Paxil carry but additionally is known to cause an inflammation of the nerves and blood vessels. However, its most dangerous side effects are suicidal thoughts and seizures.

Things To Keep In Mind Concerning Anxiety Medication

When it comes to taking medication for anxiety the sufferer should go to great lengths to acquire as much information as possible about the medication that they are taking. Additionally, if a child will be taking medication the parents should familiarize themselves with the side effects and should monitor their child in order to make sure they are not succumbing to depression or suicidal thoughts.

Additionally, an individual should consider the expenses and overall cost of the medications which they will be using. This should be considered along with whether or not your insurance provider will cover the cost of the medication. Additionally, you may wish to look to natural treatments that produce the same overall effects and benefits of prescription anxiety medications.