Are you considering a panic disorder medication to help ease feelings of anxiety or panic attacks? Before you start a medication to treat your anxiety symptoms it is important to do your own homework. Although obtaining a prescriptions for an anti-anxiety drug or anti-depressant is relatively easy – the ease with which many medical professionals prescribe these medications leads to the impression that these are safe and effective forms of treatment. However is this really the case? Keep reading to find out the different types of medications used for panic disorder and how they actually effect brain functioning…
When should I consider medication?
In my opinion there are many other options to choose before considering a psychotropic medication for panic disorder or any other mental illness. As Dr. Peter Breggin, Psychiatrist and expert witness, points out in the video below, psychotropic medications mainly disrupt brain function by creating not curing chemical imbalances.
Whether to choose medication as a treatment modality for anxiety is purely a personal decision, however you should know that much if not all of the information you have likely heard from the mainstream media and conventional medical professionals is not accurate. In fact medication can be harmful to your brain and other body systems. Medications are actually toxic to your body and are recognized as foreign substances.
Before beginning a psychiatric medication please do your own independent research on the nature and possible causes of your mental or emotional problems. This video, by Dr. Breggin will help you to begin to research for yourself the nature of panic disorder medications as well as other medications and what may be the best course of treatment for you and your loved ones.
ypes of anti-anxiety medications
TCA’s (Tricyclic Antidepressants) — examples are the generic names Imipramine, Clomipramine.
SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) — examples are the trade names Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac. Some of the side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia and some sexual dysfunction.
MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) — examples are the trade names nardil and parnate. Some patients may experience drowsiness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects such as fatal rises in blood pressure can occur and therefore they are seldom prescribed here in the US. If prescribed, certain foods like wine, cheese which contain tyramine must be avoided. Tyramine is an amino acid found in aged or preserved foods.
Benzos (Benzodiazapines) — examples are the trade names XANAX, Klonopin and Ativan. These medications are highly addictive. Side effects in addition to addiction, can be sedation and ataxia (loss of coordination). Because Benzodiazapines are a tranquilizer they work by depressing the central nervous system.
Beta-blockers (Adrenaline Blockers) — examples are trade names Atarax and Equanil. These medications block receptors in the cardiovascular system that cause heart irregularities like palpitations, or rapid or irregular heart beat. Often a Beta-blocker will be used in conjunction with a tranquilizer when the anxiety symptoms include prominent heart palpitations.
If you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety don’t wait until your level of functioning is severely impaired. Get help now for your anxiety!