Do anti anxiety meds work?

Anxiety is a feeling that can be brought by anything from impending deadlines to being chased by wolves. At best, it’s mildly uncomfortable, and at worst, it can leave us paralyzed with fear. Fortunately for us, scientists have come up with drugs that may help alleviate this anxiety – anti-anxiety meds. But the question remains: do they work?

What are Anti-Anxiety Meds?

Anti-anxiety meds, also known as anxiolytics or tranquilizers, are medications used to relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in our brains.

There are currently five main classes of anti-anxiety medication:

  1. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin)
  2. Buspirone (BuSpar)
  3. Beta-blockers (Inderal, Tenormin)
  4. Antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs], Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors [SNRIs])
  5. Barbiturates (not commonly prescribed due to high risk of abuse)

Each class has its own unique mode of action and side effects that distinguish them from each other.

How Do They Work?

Our moods are heavily influenced by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which include serotonin, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA molecules bind to proteins in our brains like locks that opens channels through which chloride ions flow into neurons leading them to become less excitable thus reducing anxiety levels.

Benzodiazepines stimulate the release of GABA across synapses while SSRIs block reabsorption after initial release however their role in treating generalized anxiety disorder is not thoroughly understood yet.

Beta blockers mimic natural hormones adrenaline/noradrenaline to counter medicate the panic susceptibility system.

As for Barbiturates they mimic GABA to activate Chloride channels and may serve as anesthesia during surgery; however its risk of addiction potentially leading to death makes it no longer recommended for medical use today.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, but provided below are the benefits and pitfalls associated with some Anti-Anxiety medication options:

Benzodiazepines (the good)

Benzos are one of the most widely prescribed anti-anxiety medications due to their fast acting relief. Xanax which falls under this class provides immediate symptom reduction by increasing the amount of GABA receptors activated in our brains.

Benzodiazepines (the bad)

One significant drawback benzodiazepines have is that they often result in sedation, or sleepiness—meaning you’ll want flash cards on hand when attempting tasks like driving. They could also lead to vertigo, poor coordination and reaction times dulling your survival instincts by lowering inhibition thresholds making one more susceptible to destructive trends such as substance abuse or impaired judgement.

Another unfortunate downside is how quickly tolerance occurs – resulting in gradual increase of dosage until an unhealthy dependence develops alongside physical withdrawal upon discontinuation similarly followed difficulties sleeping lasting up-to three weeks depending on usage period.

Buspirone

Buspirone has fewer side effects than benzodiazepines because it doesn’t affect GABA levels nor does it cause sedation, meaning only minor adverse reactions occur if any at all.The upside being that long-term stints offer safety measures without developing a dangerous dependency issue like other medications used do.However initial improvement results take significantly longer- upto two weeks before effectiveness starts taking hold

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers enter into specific stress response hormones within body affecting blood pressure rates over time reducing cardiovascular symptoms from anxiety disorders such as sweating,dry mouth or increased heart rate.

Antidepressants

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) classification of antidepressant doesn’t contain sedative properties and modify the levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin ie anti-depressant, Which is believed to be responsible for mood control. Its side effects are notably less severe associated with longer relief from conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

To Medicate Or Not To Medicate?

Despite medication making us feel better in some respects like physical alleviation, turning straight A’s while putting studying under the influence isn’t advisable amid concerns about long-term exposure. Instead it’s an interim solution used intentionally towards finding a more permanent resolution thru professional means; talking therapy may stand as traditionally considered preferable option cultivating coping mechanisms & introspective techniques by tackling root causes whilst minimizing dependency risks.

Ultimately choosing to medicate mental health issues should always be done after thorough consultation between doctor & patients with full knowledge behind benefits and risks involved,bearing in mind road aheads while acknowledging history,it all boils down to preferences on what fits best for individauls lifestyle choice.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Anti-Anxiety meds can work ,they provide immediate relief when most needed but weighing their pluses & minuses is encouraged since one size seldom fits all so prescription ways need care tailoring ,individual seeking health solutions would indeed reap the most benefit knowing which works best for them depending on factors ranging from severity level,general health status age etc.Aside from medications other approaches include meditation, behavioural treatments amongst others can also help reduce anxiety by improving overall well-being hence disallowing self stigmatisation becoming norm whilst pursuing healthy living styles remembering that limit aren’t there to restrain either flourishing or creativity,but instead shield progress for greater possibilities.

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