It is human to feel anxious or stressed. However, for some people, such feelings are overwhelming, persistent, and come without reason. Those suffering from this condition experience excessive anxiety, considering the situation they are facing. Anxiety occurs due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
Doctors prescribe them anti-anxiety pills for effective relief from anxiety. Anxiety impacts everyone differently and comprises of different symptoms such as:
- Anxious or worried most of the time
- Avoid circumstances that lead to anxiety
- Go through panic attacks
- Face trouble calming down
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The most common medicines used to treat anxiety are anti-depressants and benzodiazepines. They help in correcting the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that lead to anxiety.
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Benzodiazepines
Also known as sedatives, benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in your brain and nervous system. It reduces anxiety and promotes sleep. They help treat anxiety in the short term. Doctors usually prescribe anti-anxiety medicine to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep issues.
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Antidepressants
Antidepressants come in different kinds. The most common types are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors). Both SSRIs and SNRIs boost certain chemical levels in the brain that affect your mood. Doctors prescribe antidepressants for at least 6-12 months, based on symptoms and conditions.
Some people face side effects due to anti-anxiety pills. However, some side effects are specific and occur due to the anti-depressant your doctor prescribes. Most of them tend to improve over time. When it comes to taking anti-anxiety medication, you must discuss the potential risks and its potential side effects with your doctor before starting it. Some antidepressants are habit-forming. For example, Xanax helps reduce anxiety symptoms and is effective in depression. Despite being an effective drug, its users suffer from withdrawal symptoms upon its discontinuation.
Here are the 8 risks you should know about before you begin taking anti-anxiety pills:
1.    Constipation
Starting an anti-anxiety medicine is a new thing for the body. Sometimes people face constipation after starting their anti-anxiety medication. Increasing water intake and fresh fibrous vegetables in your diet is best to stimulate bowel movements, enhance cognitive function, and boost energy levels.
2.    Dry Mouth
A common side effect of most anti-anxiety medications, patients seem to have a dry mouth. This is usually the case with tricyclic anti-depressants. Patients can use a hard candy and let it dissolve in their mouth. Another remedy could be using an alcohol-free and moisturizing mouth rinse.
3.    Diarrhea
You might experience an upset stomach and diarrhea after using an anti-anxiety medication. This can be remedied by lowering the initial dose and eventually increasing the dose. As a result, your body slowly adjusts to the effective dose. However, speak to your doctor and stay hydrated if you experience diarrhea.
4.    Dizziness
Some people feel dizzy when they use anti-anxiety medications. It is best to be careful and take time when you get up from sitting or lying down. Taking time to do this would give sufficient blood to return to the brain and lessen the feeling of light-headedness. Another tip to help you feel centered during a dizzy episode is to focus on a point ten feet in front of you.
5.    Excessive Sweat
You might feel your body sweating profusely, like when you have a hot flash. It could be a side effect of your anti-anxiety medication. Try avoiding antiperspirants with aluminum chloride, as it can help reduce sweat. Apply to armpits, feet soles, and palms, wherever you feel you are sweating excessively. Avoid other sweat triggers as well.
6.    Blood Pressure Fluctuation
Some medications can affect your blood pressure, making it drop or heighten. Fluctuation in blood pressure is a common side effect of Beta Blockers or Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors. Some of the common signs of sudden blood pressure changes are headaches, heart palpitations, and dizziness while getting up to stand.
7.    Sleep Disturbances
Your sleep gets affected when you start your treatment of anxiety. It is one of the most prevalent issues in anxiety patients. Some people feel extremely exhausted, while others feel energized and active. However, this problem can easily be fixed, and that is changing the time at which you take your medication usually. This could help in reducing some of the sleep issues you are facing due to your anxiety medication. If it is sedating, you can switch the medicine dose to bedtime. And a stimulating dose in the morning.
Usually, anti-anxiety pills regulate the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. Their imbalance is what makes one feel anxious. Therefore, anti-anxiety medications correct their balance, and while they do that, they also alter the natural sleep cycle. Your sleep quality may suffer.
8.    Weight Gain/Loss
You might end up putting on weight or losing it when you start taking anti-anxiety medication. You must focus on a healthy diet and indulge in healthy eating and lifestyle habits by using whole grains and fresh produce in your daily diet.
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Final Words
The above-mentioned are the most common issues anxiety patients experience once they start their treatment. Every medicine hits everyone differently. What works for one might not work for another. Therefore, if you have any concerns or experience symptoms that seem to persist, consult your physician to receive the optimal guidance and information and follow their instructions.
