Conventional medicines can be prescribed by doctors to treat or manage anxiety. These medicines may cause depletion of certain nutrients. Following is a list of common conventional medicines that may be used for anxiety:
Benzodiazepines – Anti-anxiety drugs, which act as mild to moderate tranquilizers, are the most common medications prescribed. The side effects of these drugs are a decline in mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination, particularly in the early phases of treatment. These include: - Alprazolam – Brand name, Xanax®
- Clonazepam – Brand name, Klonopin®
- Diazepam – Brand name, Valium®
- Lorazepam – Brand name, Ativan®
Non-benzodiazepines – An anti-anxiety drug occasionally prescribed is:
- Buspirone – Brand name, Buspar®. This drug acts has a taming affect but is devoid of anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. One potentially harmful side effect of this drug is the possibility of acute and chronic changes in dopamine-mediated neurological function.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s ) – Often prescribed to treat generalized anxiety and panic attacks. These include:
- Fluoxetine – Brand name, Prozac®
- Paroxetine – Brand name, Paxil®
- Venlafaxine – Brand name, Effexor® (serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's), Tricyclics, and Tetracyclics may also be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety disorders on a trial and error basis—that is, if those above are not successful.
A host of potential side-effects (or symptoms of withdrawal) accompany the use of all of these drugs. Some of the most serious of these are:
- Development of drug dependency
- Development of suicidal tendencies
- Sustained increase in blood pressure (hypertension)
- Anxiety (ironically enough)
- Asthenia – loss of bodily strength
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Somnolence – sleepiness or a lack of energy and activity11
According to the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, specific nutrient depletion from use of these drugs has not been documented.12
Additional Information about Anxiety
- Anxiety Overview
- Common symptoms of anxiety
- Common causes of anxiety
- Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for anxiety
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of anxiety
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for anxiety
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