Contents
What are anxiolytics?
Anxiolytics are remedies used to treat anxiety . They aim to reduce the anxiety and tension of people who suffer from some type of anxiety disorder.
They act on the patient’s body directly affecting the areas of the brain responsible for controlling anxiety and alertness. Its effect causes a feeling of relaxation.
They are also called tranquilizers and tranquilizers. In some cases, they are recommended for the treatment of insomnia , due to the drowsiness they can cause.
The main anxiolytics used are benzodiazepines , which act directly on the neurotransmitters responsible for providing the sedative and tranquilizing effect of the activities of the central nervous system (CNS).
This drug was discovered in the 1950s, but it was only in subsequent years that its use grew. We can say that in the current decade there has been a worrying growth.
According to data from the World Health Organization, Brazil is the leading country in cases of Anxiety Disorder, in which 9.3% of the population suffers from this disease. Still on diseases that affect mental health , depression affects 5.3% of Brazilians.
When we talk about these disorders, it is essential to understand how treatment works. In this case, specifically, how it works for those who suffer from anxiety.
Although anxiolytics do not act as a solution to the problem, they allow people within this framework to carry out daily activities, because with these drugs, they show an improvement in the symptoms of the disease.
Anxiolytics do not act alone, nor should they. Just as important as treatment with medications is the help of a professional specializing in mental health, such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
The misuse can cause several side effects, providing a progression of the condition or even life-threatening to the patient. They can also cause dependence
What is it for?
Anxiolytics are used to treat the effects caused by the types of anxiety disorder. They can be synthetic drugs, that is, drugs made through chemical processes, or they can be present in home remedies, such as teas.
They are considered tranquilizers because they have a calming effect on anxious and stressed people. The main type of anxiolytic used is benzodiazepines.
They are able to stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain, activating mechanisms that balance the feeling of anxiety and stress .
When the patient is suffering from some type of anxiety disorder, for reasons that can vary from person to person, his brain remains alert.
Fear of certain situations causes excessive stress on the activities of the central nervous system.
With these activities out of control, anxiety attacks become intense and physical and psychological symptoms awaken in the patient terrible conditions to continue with the routine as normal.
Thus, anxiolytics act to stimulate a balance in the brain of the person suffering from anxiety, leaving them more calm. The main effects of these depressant medications on the patient’s body are:
- Decrease anxiety;
- Sleep induction;
- Muscle relaxation;
- Decrease the alertness of the central nervous system (CNS).
Anxiolytics, more specifically benzodiazepines, are not antipsychotic or anti-insomnia drugs. However, they are used as an adjunct to some psychiatric treatments and also in the case of alcoholism treatment .
For example, in the case of people who are on antidepressant treatment and also suffer from some anxiety disorder, the use of anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines may be necessary. This while antidepressant treatment is not yet providing an improvement in anxiety as well.
In relation to the use of these drugs to relieve withdrawal symptoms, in cases of people in rehabilitation, anxiolytics are useful because they act under the same neurotransmitters in the central nervous system that alcohol affects.
In any case, what should be established is what a professional specialized in mental health understands will be the best for each patient. The self-medication should not be an option under any circumstances .
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to a situation that causes us stress, fear, discomfort or apprehension about something unknown.
This anxiety can manifest itself in several ways, including physical and psychological symptoms, in a mild way or making it impossible for the person to carry out their daily tasks.
A job interview, first day of school or an important presentation are common situations in which people show anxiety.
Faced with these situations, it is normal for people to feel nervous. However, in the face of extreme anxiety, lasting more than six months and which is interfering negatively in your life, you need to seek help. This is what differentiates anxiety from Anxiety Disorder.
Although anxiety can be quite bad on a daily basis, the person is still able to continue with activities. Already during Anxiety Disorder, the feeling is paralyzing.
Usually, people with Anxiety Disorder also have physical symptoms. If you notice the following signs, seek medical advice for proper treatment:
- Irrational fear;
- Feeling that something bad is going to happen, excessive nervousness;
- Obsessive ideas;
- Willingness to avoid situations that cause anxiety;
- Biting nails compulsively;
- Increased heart rate;
- Chest pains;
- Hyperventilation;
- Muscle spasms;
- Weakness;
- Insomnia;
- Difficulty concentrating.
Types
It is common for people to refer to anxiety disorder as something generic, but it is interesting to know that there are different types and each represents a different picture. Get to know:
Agorafobia
People who suffer from agoraphobia, one of the types of anxiety disorder, are afraid of specific places and situations. Faced with these situations, they feel powerless, embarrassed and panic-stricken.
It is common for people affected by this type of anxiety to try to avoid being in certain places or in certain situations as much as possible, as they understand that they have suffered a possible crisis.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This type of disorder is one that most affects the lives of people who suffer from anxiety.
Because they have obsessive ideas and behaviors, they end up having their lives harmed.
These people, therefore, live constantly worried and anxious and adopt some repetitive habits. Being indecisive about whether or not to lock your home door, whether to turn off the shower or the iron are some common situations.
What is different for people who have OCD is that they will drastically change their routine in the face of these compulsions. How to lock and unlock the door several times, go back to the house to make sure you have turned off the shower or gas, etc.
Panic syndrome
Panic syndrome, or panic disorder, awakens sudden bouts of anxiety, which are accompanied by an intense feeling of malaise and fear.
People who suffer from this particular type of anxiety disorder have some physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain and fast heartbeat. They are also affected with cognitive symptoms.
They appear in an increasing way, reaching intensity in a very short time. People who suffer from this syndrome are constantly afraid of death and tend to avoid certain situations that may trigger a crisis, characteristic of agoraphobia.
Specific phobias
People who suffer from this type of anxiety disorder are afraid or disgusted with a particular situation, object or animal. Some specific known phobias are fear of the spider (arachnophobia), fear of heights (acrophobia) and fear of closed places (claustrophobia).
Although fear, or fear, of finished situations is common, such as being afraid of flying, for people who suffer from anxiety disorder it will be an impasse in their lives, in which the phobia will be paralyzing.
Post-traumatic
It is characterized by the difficulty of recovery in the face of traumas such as accidents, robberies, losses, natural disasters or any situation you have experienced or witnessed in which you felt scared or intimidated.
Within this disorder, it is possible that the person constantly suffers from flashbacks of the traumatic event, has nightmares or is unable to be calm in the face of situations that refer to the event.
It is possible for people with post-traumatic anxiety to avoid being in certain places and situations. For example, someone who was robbed at night on the street starts to avoid leaving the house as much as possible, due to the constant fear of happening again.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
This disorder affects, in most cases, children. It occurs when the separation from the parents is in the process of adapting. This moment can be very difficult for them and that is why it is important for those responsible to be attentive to the signs of this disorder.
Symptoms such as constant crying, excessive attachment to parents and calling for them when they are gone are some of the signs. It is possible that they refuse to sleep alone and try to avoid going to school.
This separation is related to the times when children start attending school, parents spend more time away from home or even divorces.
Generalized anxiety disorder
People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, unlike other types of anxiety, do not show peaks of anxiety or fear of specific situations. They are constantly anxious, agitated and worried.
Common situations for most people will make these people feel bad. They usually have physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia and stomach pains. They may also suffer from difficulty concentrating.
Selective mutism
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that can manifest itself from childhood. In such cases, people become unable to speak in certain situations or with certain people.
However, there is no inability to communicate, nor is it associated with communication disorders, such as stuttering.
These crises end up interfering negatively in the lives of people who suffer from this type of anxiety, as they suffer from a blockage in speech.
Typically, people who have selective mutism are shy and even with family members are unable to express themselves easily.
How do anxiolytics work in our bodies?
Anxiolytics are depressant drugs . They are called so because they decrease brain activity, that is, they depress their functioning.
When the patient is being treated for some type of anxiety disorder with anxiolytics, what happens is a reduction in the activities of the central nervous system (CNS).
Because of being on alert, the brain of the person who suffers from some type of anxiety disorder has difficulty in decreasing these activities. In this way, numerous symptoms, both physical and cognitive, may appear.
In order to understand the mechanisms of action of anxiolytics, it is important to understand how benzodiazepines interfere with our organism, since they are the most commonly used anxiolytics today.
In our brain, there is a specific neurotransmitter called GABA, an acronym from the name Gamma-AminoButyric Acid or, in Portuguese, Gamma-aminobutyric acid.
This acid is distributed in three main channels in our brain: GABAA, GABAB and GABAC. It is in GABAA, specifically, that benzodiazepine remedies act to treat anxiety disorder.
This is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain. It acts directly on the activities of the central nervous system affected by anxiety disorder.
Anxiolytics are facilitators of the effect of GABA on the brain. Benzodiazepines therefore have a sedative effect on the patient being treated.
Among other drugs that exhibit the same behavior in the face of GABA neurotransmitters, are alcohol, barbiturates, anesthetics, inhalers and propofol.
Because it contains this feeling of similarity, benzodiazepines may be used in alcoholism treatments to relieve symptoms caused by withdrawal.
These drugs are marketed as sleeping pills and hypnotics, when used for short term. In these cases, the focus of treatment is to help people in rehabilitation of alcoholism, due to the fact that their sleep is impaired by the action of alcohol on brain activities.
When should I use anxiolytics?
Only a doctor can prescribe when the use of anxiolytics is necessary and the patient must maintain a treatment routine. The indiscriminate use of anxiolytics can be very dangerous and even lethal.
The use of depressant drugs makes the person appear more detached, slow and sleepy. Because they interfere with our psychomotor functions, some activities can become dangerous when using these medications, such as driving, for example.
Other examples of depressant drugs are alcohol, sleeping pills, narcotics, inhalants and solvents. They provoke the stimulus contrary to what the stimulant drugs do.
These are responsible for increasing brain activity, also known as stimulants of CNS activity. Unlike depressants, the person who uses these drugs will be electric and always on. Some examples are nicotine, caffeine, amphetamine and cocaine.
Types of anxiolytics
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If you have already researched anxiety medication, you may have come across an extensive list of medications. This is because they are divided into some types and within that division it is possible to find different drugs. See what these typologies are:
Barbiturates
Barbiturates, prior to benzodiazepines, were the only anxiolytics available for the treatment of anxiety.
It was in 1902 that the Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Emil Fischer, discovered the barbital. Although they were considered a risk drug, they were effective as sedatives and sleeping pills, acting as a depressant of the Central Nervous System.
Currently, these drugs have fallen out of use with regard to the treatment of anxiety disorders, but are still used to treat cases of seizures and as a sedative in some surgeries.
Like benzodiazepines, barbiturates also have complications, as they can cause addiction and even lead to death.
Only in 1963 did the Roche company launch Valium. This was the beginning of the popularization of benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are the most popular among types of anxiolytics. They are often placed as a synonym for medication for the treatment of anxiety disorder. However, there are other types.
They belong to a class of psychotropic drugs, as they act directly on the functioning of the Central Nervous System. Its chemical structure consists of the fusion of a benzene ring with a diazepine ring. That is why it has this nomenclature.
The soothing action of benzodiazepines occurs according to the way it interferes with the substance GABA and on the limbic system, parts of the brain responsible for emotions and social behaviors.
These drugs, when reaching these parts of our brain, have a regulatory action on serotonin . This is a chemical substance produced naturally by the human body.
When at low or too high levels it can interfere with schizophrenia , depression and anxiety.
The effects of benzodiazepines include relaxation, relief of cognitive tension and sedative effect.
Anxiolytics get fat?
It is possible that some anxiolytics may cause weight gain in some patients, but it is not correct to say that this effect is widespread. Not even the opposite effect.
Although some people experience weight loss with the treatment of anxiety disorder with these drugs, it is not possible to say that it is a side effect of the anxiolytic itself.
In fact, anxiety can cause an increase in weight, causing the anxious person to discount all his nervousness and tension in the face of the disorder in the food.
Consequently, with the treatment working, this appetite tends to decrease and the person loses weight.
On the other hand, anxiolytics can cause, as a side effect, an increase in appetite. In such cases, the individual may have an increase in his weight.
The patient should seek medical advice, in both cases. The function of anxiolytics is not to lose weight. Understanding this effect as a benefit is very dangerous.
Extending the use or suspending it in the face of weight gain or loss is an attitude to be avoided.
Are anxiolytics and antidepressants the same thing?
Many people understand that antidepressants and anxiolytics have the same effect on the body, or that they are the same. However, this is not correct.
They have some points in common, such as, for example, the two types of drugs act against the symptoms of mental disorders: anxiety and depression. They also do not make healing possible, but they seek to make their lives better.
Although some antidepressants also act on the symptoms of anxiety, in patients who have both conditions simultaneously, they are not drugs of the same type, as they have different focuses.
Anxiolytics are used to provide patients with greater muscle relaxation, make them calmer, treat insomnia and reduce irritability caused by the disorder.
Antidepressants, on the other hand, seek to lessen deep sadness , anguish, lack of energy and concentration, disinterest, lack of appetite, intense feelings of guilt and suicidal desires.
Anxiety can be one of the symptoms present in depression and it is not uncommon for this to happen. However, in some cases, when performing inadequate treatment, one of the conditions may worsen.
Trade names
Considering the data presented by the WHO, which point to Brazil as the country with the largest number of people affected by anxiety disorder, it is understandable the increase in the consumption of anxiolytics.
However, many people do not know them by that nomenclature, but by their trade names. Some of these medications are:
- Valium;
- Rivotril;
- Diazepam;
- Calmocyteno ;
- Psychosedin ;
- Alprazolam;
- Ansitec;
- Lexotan ;
- Lorax;
- Frontal XR;
- Clonazepam;
- Lorazepam;
- Deptran;
- Flurezin.
Also find out how some of the most widely used anxiolytics work and how they are applied in the treatment of other types of pathologies:
Diazepam
Diazepam is also a well-known and used anxiolytic. However, it is not only used to treat cases of anxiety disorder.
In medical centers, diazepam is also used in the treatment of muscle spasms , psychosomatic disorders, torticollis , dyspnoea and even for sedation before surgical procedures.
This anxiolytic is well known by its trade name: Valium. It is necessary to be careful with the use, because in high doses and in prolonged use it can generate dependence.
Lorazepam
Lorazepam can also be known as orfidal. It is a medication used for various treatments, in addition to anxiety.
Because it has an immediate effect, it is considered a potent anxiolytic, as it reaches its maximum bioavailability peak in 2 hours.
Although it is not the anxiolytic with the greatest side effects and its degree of dependence is not very high, it should only be used for a limited time by the doctor .
It can be used on the following occasions:
- Anxiety treatment;
- Insomnia;
- Voltage;
- Treatment of psychosomatic and organic diseases;
- Irritable bowel syndrome;
- Epilepsy;
- Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or alcohol withdrawal.
Bromazepam
Used in low doses, bromazepam is used to specifically treat anxiety and phobias. It can quickly become addictive if used irresponsibly.
When administered in larger doses, this type of anxiolytic acts as a muscle relaxant , sedative and hypnotic.
Faced with a treatment with this type of medication, it is necessary to find out about all possible complications, by consulting with a doctor. Bromazepam can be deadly when combined with alcohol and also interacts with various substances.
Clorazepato
In addition to being used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, chlorazepate is a medication present in the treatment of other psychiatric conditions such as neuroses and psychoses.
It is also used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal and other drugs, cases of insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome.
The recommended usage time for chlorazepate is a maximum of 4 months. Exceeding this period can lead to complications such as addiction or even cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Attention!
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained in this website is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Half-life of anxiolytics
Anxiolytics can be classified according to the duration of their effects. For this, they are divided according to their half-life, a concept used to designate the duration of a given medicine in our body.
When taking a medication, after a short time, it has a peak of its effect on our body, but this effect has a decreasing action.
Due to two natural factors in our body, such as elimination by urine and metabolism, the drugs end up losing their effect. Knowing this is important to understand the importance of strictly adhering to schedules.
That said, know the half-life of anxiolytics:
Short half-life anxiolytics
Short half-life anxiolytics have effects that can last up to 8 hours. Some examples are Bentazepam, Clotiazepam and Cloxazolam.
Intermediate half-life anxiolytics
These drugs have effects that can last from 8 to 24 hours. Alprazolam, Lorazepam. Camazepam, Pinazepam and Oxazepam are some examples.
Long half-life anxiolytics
When the effects of anxiolytics last for more than 24 hours, they are considered to have a long half-life. Among these drugs are Diazepam, Halazepam and Medazepam.
How to take?
Anxiolytics are used orally, in the form of tablets or capsules. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist and taken as recommended by the specialist.
The patient must follow the dosages and schedules correctly and, with the possible appearance of side effects, it is necessary to talk to a doctor to be able to control possible symptoms.
Another existing option for the use of anxiolytics is intravenously (injections), however, they can only be administered in hospitals.
As for the duration of treatment with anxiolytics and medication withdrawal, it is up to the professional to guide how this process will take place.
It is necessary that the patient is aware of the risks of dependence that these drugs offer, remembering that self-medication is a dangerous habit and should not be done.
Side effects
The use of anxiolytics can cause some side symptoms, some of which are common to all users of the drugs and others more serious, associated with dosage and time of use.
Because it is a depressant drug for the central nervous system, anxiolytics cause depression of brain activities. They reduce anxiety, but they also make the person more sleepy and slower.
It is like a device that is operating at 220 volts and is forced to reduce it to 110 volts.
Thus, it ends up being harmed in some activities. The main side effects related to this action of anxiolytics are:
- Somnolence;
- Dependency;
- Dizziness;
- Headaches;
- Enjoo;
- Excessive sweat;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Feeling of hangover;
- Memory loss;
- Lack of motor coordination, such as slow reflexes;
- Confusion, more common in elderly people;
- Delusions;
- Euphoria (rarer);
- Muscle hypotonia (loss of strength and muscle tone);
- Blurred or double vision;
- Dizziness;
- Slurred speech;
- Lack of energy.
Withdrawal from anxiolytics
First, it is necessary to understand that there is a difference between the withdrawal syndrome and the possibility that the patient’s anxiety disorder has not been effectively treated with the use of drugs.
Thus, before confirming a diagnosis of withdrawal from anxiolytics, it is necessary to observe whether the symptoms manifested by the patient are not the same symptoms that led him to treatment.
If the symptoms are matched, it is possible that it is a situation in which anxiety has been delayed with the use of medications. With the withdrawal, a rebound effect may have occurred.
Because the two situations have some similar symptoms, it is common for some people to confuse these different situations. However, abstinence has its origin in addiction.
Abstinence caused by anxiolytics tends to manifest about 48 hours after stopping the use of the drug.
After this interruption, symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, blurred vision, mental confusion, palpitations and hypersensitivity to external stimuli may occur.
The ideal is that, along with the treatment based on anxiolytics, complementary treatments are carried out.
Although it is a favorable aid to many patients, when used irresponsibly, the drug can cause dependence and play a role as a “stop-gap”.
Thus, the problem may remain rooted in the patient, but the action of the drugs awakens a feeling of improvement. The well-being provided by these drugs, together with the fear of leaving you and the symptoms coming back, is a danger for people who suffer from some anxiety disorder.
Doctors, in these cases, must understand the importance of good guidance in relation to doses and time of consumption.
Natural Anxiolytics
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There are some plants considered to be natural anxiolytics. Although they do not replace the treatment with synthetic anxiolytics, they often contribute to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is a natural and alternative way for people who suffer from milder anxiety and can be a complement to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Usually, they are used as teas and can be consumed by most people, as long as there is no intolerance or allergy to a particular plant or substance present. Discover some soothing tea options:
- Chamomile tea;
- Passionflower tea;
- Valerian tea;
- Jujube tea;
- Lemongrass tea;
- Hop tea;
- Asian sparkle tea or Gotu Kola.
Contraindications
Not everyone can make use of anxiolytics, either for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia or during the rehabilitation process of an alcoholic addiction.
There are also some drugs that have specific contraindications. To find out what the drug’s risk conditions are, it is necessary to consult with the doctor and also check the package leaflet.
If there are any contraindications that prevent you from going ahead with treatment based on anxiolytics, it is up to a professional to consider the risk-benefit ratio.
However, there are some risk groups that should be more careful with these drugs. Get to know:
Pregnant and lactating women
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, women should avoid the use of anxiolytics and only make use of it, if the doctor understands that there will be no risks for her and the baby.
The studies regarding the teratogenic effects (malformation in the fetus) that these drugs can cause are not yet conclusive.
However, it is possible that the use during pregnancy may offer risks for natural childbirth, such as breathing problems and difficulty in removing the baby.
Likewise, as the baby was under the use of anxiolytics, after the effect has passed, he may experience agitation and even have a seizure.
For lactating women, it is necessary to investigate whether the anxiolytic in use will have any interference in breast milk, which may cause complications in the baby.
Opinions among doctors, from the obstetric and psychiatric point of view, present interesting points of view, in relation to the use of anxiolytics during pregnancy.
A woman who already uses anxiolytics and discovers a pregnancy should see the psychiatrist who prescribed these medications and check if there is a need to continue treatment or the possibility to pause the use.
However, it is not a rule that applies to all cases, as some psychiatrists point out. Women who have more severe cases of anxiety, in which they have behaviors such as suicidal thinking, withdrawing the medication is a risk to the life of the mother and baby.
People over 65
The use of anxiolytics by people over 65 years old can be a risk, as they are more sensitive to the sedative effects of this medication.
Even lower doses can cause symptoms such as confusion, amnesia, loss of balance and impaired cognitive ability.
The main risk associated with the use of anxiolytics and the elderly is the greater possibility of falls, which can lead to injuries to the hips and legs or cause or car accidents, since driving is one of the activities compromised by this drug.
People with a history of dependency
As they can cause dependence, the use of anxiolytics should be avoided by people who have a history of substance abuse, such as drugs and alcohol itself.
One option for people who fit in this risk group is the use of benzodiazepines, which demonstrate faster action. However, they are still at risk of becoming addictive.
The risk of anxiolytics combined with the abuse of alcohol and other illicit drugs is also very worrying, as it can lead to death.
There are also contraindications related to other pathologies. These are:
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma;
- Severe respiratory failure;
- Liver disease;
- Allergic to the components present in anxiolytics;
- Renal and cardiovascular diseases.
Drug / food interactions
Anxiolytics have some drug interactions, but this can vary for each type of medication, considering its various types. However, some interactions are common to these drugs, mainly the use of central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs:
- Alcohol;
- Narcotics;
- Antihistamines;
- Opioid pain relievers;
- Tricyclic antidepressants;
- Anticonvulsivantes;
- Antipsychotics;
- Antihypertensive drugs;
- Antidiabetics;
- Antacids;
- Other anxiolytics;
- Grapefruit juice (in interaction with benzodiazepines).
Complementary treatments
Undoubtedly, treatment with medication contributes a lot so that people who suffer from some type of anxiety disorder can recover their routines and lead a better life.
It is not easy to live with some mental illness, mainly due to the symptoms they awaken. Even the drugs, which are intended to try to alleviate this problem, can have serious side effects for health.
Meet some complementary treatments:
Therapy
Another treatment alternative, which should be complementary to the use of anxiolytics, is therapy. Within this treatment, there are several possibilities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy and psychoanalysis, for example.
Among these possibilities, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be one of the most interesting options.
This form of therapy includes several techniques that encourage the patient to deal with his anxiety. In this method, the way people interpret their own experiences is one of the factors that determine how they feel and behave.
Through strategies, the patient will have, during therapy, a moment to think – and try to correct – thoughts that cause problems such as anxiety and malaise.
Alternative therapies
There are some alternative therapies that collaborate to alleviate symptoms present in cases of anxiety disorder. Some examples are aromatherapy, chromotherapy and acupuncture.
For example, acupuncture, a technique that uses the introduction of needles into the vital points of the body, seeks to provide a balance of energy in the body of the patient being treated.
As a consequence, the patient feels less anxious and calmer. Aromatherapy, on the other hand, relies on the use of essential oils diluted in warm water, in order to promote an improvement in stress.
Meditation
Meditation is considered a very healthy complement to other types of treatment. In addition to helping to reduce anxiety, it has other health and well-being benefits, such as reducing stress, improving concentration and cognitive ability.
Meditating for 15 minutes a day already promotes these benefits and can be done in several ways. The ideal is to settle down in a quiet place, leave your spine and neck straight and sit in a comfortable position, with your legs crossed, that famous position called “Indian leg”.
Rest your hands on your lap and keep your palms facing up. Concentrate on your breathing and mentalize what you are looking for with this activity.
Natural Anxiolytics
Natural anxiolytics, such as chamomile and valerian teas, are recommended for people who are in the process of abandoning the use of medications.
They can be a tool to make this phase a little easier, as well as they can be used as a complementary treatment.
Monitoring the use of anxiolytics
Faced with a diagnosis of anxiety, in which treatment with anxiolytics will be necessary, it is important to clarify with your doctor all your doubts. If you prefer, write down at home what they are, so that at the time of the consultation I was not left behind.
Some points must be discussed, they are:
- Ask how the drug will help to reduce anxiety and how it will act in your body;
- Ask about complementary treatments and consider therapy, even before starting medication with anxiolytics;
- Ask what are the most common side effects;
- Ask if it will be necessary to avoid any food or drink;
- Tell about other medications you use, if applicable. That way, it is possible to find out if you are at risk for drug interactions before any complications even happen. It is the practice of the health professional to seek this information, but in any case, be forewarned;
- Know for how long you should be medicated and at what times;
- Ask about how the medication will be withdrawn, if it will be difficult, if the symptoms of anxiety will arise and about the side effects;
- Ask about using natural anxiolytics and how they could help.
Common questions
Do anxiolytics impair school and work performance?
Yes , anxiolytics can reduce your income at work, school or college. This is due to its sedative side effects.
However, these drugs are used to treat short periods and must be used in sufficient doses to stabilize the symptoms of anxiety. In the long run, they can be addictive .
Thus, this damage caused by anxiolytics, in theory, should have an end date. In fact, they provide greater drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Only because of these factors, performing tasks that need attention and focus become more difficult.
When you realize that medications are becoming a problem in the professional and academic environment, where your income has fallen, try to talk to a doctor about how to avoid this side effect or even the possibility of using smaller doses.
There are also exercises focused on concentration and focus on studies that can be useful during this period of anxiety treatment.
Are Anxiolytics Black Stripe Remedies? And what does that mean?
Yes , anxiolytics are called black label remedies. This is not just a form of classification or generic organization among medicines. You have probably heard that care is needed when using these remedies, and that has a reason.
Black-stripe drugs are drugs that pose serious health risks. Among them are those that act directly on the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as anxiolytics, in this case.
They can mean the risk of addiction and even lead to death. Prolonged use will cause the patient to become addicted to the effects caused by the medication and prolong the use, more and more.
When suspending, the person is at risk of suffering the symptoms caused by withdrawal, such as the rebound effect.
According to these factors, anxiolytics should be marketed only under medical prescription retention.
Can I use anxiolytics and drive afterwards?
Because they cause a sedative effect, impair motor coordination and the power of concentration, anxiolytics and direction do not match .
It does not mean that it is mandatorily forbidden, but it is necessary to avoid it . Activities like this require a great deal of concentration. Driving “off” can put your life and the lives of others at risk.
If you feel that you are not in a position to be driving a car, ask for a ride or use public transport.
Cycling, however, is not a very good option either, as it can be just as dangerous. Finally, the ideal is to discuss the dosage of the medication with the doctor in charge.
Popularly known as tranquilizers, anxiolytics are synthetic or natural drugs used to treat different types of anxiety disorder.
They do not make it possible to cure the problem, but they do allow these patients to continue with their activities normally, since the symptoms – physical and psychic – prevent them from doing them.
Since anxiety is one of the health problems with such worrying numbers, it is currently necessary to understand how the medications available act in our organism, how they can benefit us or cause serious complications.
When facing anxiety symptoms, or any other disorder, always seek medical advice.
Don’t forget to share this text with your friends and family so they know how anxiolytics work in the treatment of this disease that affects so many people.
