What is Anti Anxiety Medication?
Anxiety is something we all, most likely, have experienced. However, when anxiety is persistent and interferes with quality of life, this could be considered an anxiety disorder.
Keep reading, if you’re struggling with an anxiety disorder and considering taking anti anxiety medication to help manage symptoms.
How do anti anxiety medications work?
Anxiety happens when there’s an imbalance in the emotional processing center of the brain. Most anti anxiety medications work by trying to calm down this overactive system.
There are different classes of these medications that all work slightly differently. For example, one class of anxiety medications is known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing an important chemical (neurotransmitter) in the brain known as GABA which helps us feel calm. Some examples of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Rivotril)
- And more
Side-effects of anti anxiety medications:
Anxiety medications can be associated with some side effects which include:
- Confusion
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Furthermore, side effects are dependent on the medication, the dose, and the individual. Genetic factors can also contribute to medication response. Nevertheless, it is important to discuss with your healthcare team to determine the associated side effects of different medications. What might work well for one individual, might not work for you or may simply cause difficult side effects.
How to find the right anti anxiety medication for you:
Before starting an anti anxiety medication, it can be helpful to take a pharmacogenetic test. A pharmacogenetic test determines which medications are predicted to work best for you, based on your DNA. Ensure you’re taking the right medication for your anxiety. A pharmacogenetic test kit can help avoid medication trial-and-error and help you to feel better, sooner.
Inagene’s pharmacogenetic test kit is the most comprehensive on the market and contains a large number of anti anxiety medications, including:
Thus, with a simple cheek swab test, you can receive a comprehensive report which will outline which medications to avoid, use with caution, or take as prescribed. You can easily share the report with your healthcare team to ensure you are on the right medication for you
Ready to start feeling better?
Order an Inagene Pharmacogenetic test today.