New Anxiety Drugs: Facts You Need To KnowAn anxiety drug, also known as an antidepressant, is a type of psychiatric medication that is used to lessen dysthymia or depression. General practitioners and psychiatrists usually prescribe these drugs. Antidepressants are often used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and also chronic pain. Recently, new anxiety drugs have been developed to treat panic and anxiety disorders. The generic names of some these new drugs for anxiety are Bupropoin, Buspirone, Duloxetine, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone, Reboxetine, Trazodone and Venlafaxine. The popular brand names of these new anxiety drugs are Wellbutrin (Bupropine), Buspar (Buspirone), Cymbalta/Xeristar (Duloxetine), Remeron (Martizapine), Serzone (Nefazodone), Edronax and Vestra (Reboxetine), Desyrel (Trazodone) and Effexor (Venlafaxine). Before taking any new drugs for anxiety, you should inform the doctor about any existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, heart disease, diabetes, eating disorder, head injury and other related conditions. Also, you should tell the doctor if you have any allergic reaction, your frequency of drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking consumption and other things that may be of concern. These new drugs for anxiety may react with other kinds of medications. You should let your doctor know if you are taking medicines like amphetamine, carbamazepine, corticosteroids, dextroamphetamine, levodopa, nicotine, phenytoin, ritonavir, theophylline, tramadol, velrian, warfarin, among others. If you are recommended to take these new anxiety drugs, you should follow the directions that are written on the prescription label. Swallow the drugs whole with a glass of water and drink it at regular intervals. It is important that you do not take the medicine more often than needed. Also, do not stop taking the new anxiety drugs except on your doctor's advice. Taking these new anxiety drugs has some side effects. The more common side effects include anxiety, agitation, confusion, seizures, skin rash, itching, hives and vomiting. The less common side effects are blurred vision, difficulty breathing, palpitations, increased blood pressure, hallucinations, weakness and redness or peeling of the skin. When taking new anxiety drugs, you and your family should be on the lookout for worsening depression or even thoughts of suicide. Watch out also for severe or sudden changes in your feelings. Be aware of if you are feeling more agitated, anxious, irritable, panicky, aggressive, impulsive, hostile, severely restless, hyperactive or not being able to sleep. Inform the doctor immediately of sudden changes. Another thing you should be concerned about when taking new anxiety drugs is that you should avoid taking any alcoholic beverage since it may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Excessive drinking while on medication might also increase your risk for convulsions or seizures. Your new anxiety drugs should be stored at room temperature, approximately between 20 to 25 degrees C, and away from moisture and direct sunlight. It is also important that you keep it out of the reach of children, preferably in a container that the children would not be able to open. |