Anxiolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Anxiety

Anxiolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Anxiety thumbnail
Severe anxiety may require medication.

Anxiety is a condition that plagues millions of Americans on a daily basis. For some, it's nothing more than an inconvenient feeling that passes rather quickly once stress subsides. For others, it's a powerful event that prevents them from living a normal life. For these individuals, anxiolytic drugs may help them significantly.

  1. Definition

    • Anxiolytic is defined as a drug that relieves anxiety.

    Action

    • Drugs.com states that commonly prescribed anxiolytic drugs, such as Ativan, are believed to work by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

    Types

    • Anxiolytic drugs to treat anxiety and the lack of sleep associated with anxiety are made up primarily, but not entirely, of benzodiazepines.

    Side Effects

    • PrimaryPsychiatry.com states that benzodiazepine anxiolytics cause side effects that can include excessive daytime drowsiness, lack of awareness and cognitive impairment.

    Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytics

    • One of the most popular non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics is buspirone, which must be taken up to three times a day. The drug doesn't cause the side effects or sedating characteristics of benzodiazepines.

    Tips

    • Whenever taking anxiolytic drugs, it's important to not become dependent on the medication. Use as directed, and under the care of a physician.

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  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of SmilingStrong

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