Anxiety disorders are now one of the fastest-growing diagnosed disorders in the world today.
Extensive medical research has found that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors -- or SSRIs -- are the best medication to fight anxiety attacks and have the least harmful side-effects.
These are leading prescription medications for battling anxiety attacks and treating stress.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Tricyclic antidepressants are said to increase the presence of norepinephrine and serotonin in the nerve cells of the brain. Side effects include dry mouth, frozen shoulders, weight gain, blurred vision, dizziness, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, muscle twitches, and constipation.
SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRI)
SSRIs increase the extracellular level of serotonin in the brain. This increased presence of serotonin is what is believed to alleviate depression and the causes of anxiety. Initial side effects including nausea, headache, drowsiness, gain or loss of weight, and loss of appetite generally do not last long. However, abrupt discontinuation of these drugs can be detrimental.
MONAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS
These drugs are least used as they pose a serious risk of adverse drug interactions. They can cause high blood pressure and damage the liver. However, they are useful in atypical cases of depression that do not respond to other milder forms of treatment.
BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines are helpful as muscle relaxants and for soothing the nerves. They're most often prescribed in crisis episodes of stress or depression. Excessive use of this drug may lead to addiction.
AZAPIRONES
This class of drugs is used for the treatment of general anxiety disorder (GAD). They're well tolerated and not addictive. The side-effects are fewer and milder compared to other drugs. However, bouts of headaches, confusion, depression, muscle ache, and irregular heartbeats can occur.
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