Diseases, Disorders and Meds

ANTIANXIETY AND HYPNOTIC DRUGS

Drugs that reduce anxiety and assist sleep have many effects in common with one another and with alcohol. These effects on memory often include a slight immediate deleterious effect, a long term damaging effect on the brain from high dosages, and acute confusion if stopped abruptly after being used for extended periods. Seizures and mental disturbance can occur during withdrawal. These similarities, in effect are probably because all these substances act on the GABA (Aminobtyric acid) receptor, which inhibits nerve cell activity.

The terms "minor tranquilizer" or antianxiety drug, refer to a group of drugs of which the first were phenobarbital and meprobamate (Miltown, Equanil). These two old standbys have now largely been replaced by newer ones belonging to the chemical class called benzodiazepines. These started off as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and dizepam (Valium) but have proliferated along with the profits of the drug companies making them. They now include clorazepate (Tranxene), flurazepam (Dalmane), oxazepam (Serax), temezepam (Restoril), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (klonopin, prazepam (Centrax). triazolam (Halcion), and lorazepam (Ativan). There is little to choose among these drugs except in terms of length of action. Halcion and Ativan are particularly short acting.

The Case AGAINST Benzodiazepines

Unlike the antipsychotics, the benzodiazepines are quite pleasant to take and can be addictive. This is among the features that has led restrictions on their use. Reluctance to assuage anxiety with a drug that gives an immediate subjective sense of relief may be a manifestation of the puritan ethic rather than entirely rational practice... Now the rules and regulations have changed and OBRA have stepped in with restrictions. In turn these drugs are for short-term use.

So When those options are now over its time to take a look at the reason you started and what your next step could be: You would be surprised at what's out there, right on the counter at your local drugstore. Than there are others that are available through your GP:

NONBENZODIAZEPINE Hypnotics..

Many medications are used to evade OBRA restrictions while satisfying a perceived need for sedation, anxiety and/or for sleep medication.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine; it can be used in treatment of parkinsonism, and it causes drowsiness. Because it causes drowsiness it is used at night, as a hypnotic. Another multipurpose drug used frequently is hydroxyzine (Atarax), which can produce sedative effect and are commonly used, this way. The antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel), is commonly used as a sleeping medication and now known for, again, its multipurpose uses of treatment. Some new studies have shown it to be an excellent aide in weight loss while keeping the brain steady.

Unfortunately, several of the older generation of hypnotics, such as chloral hydrate, barbiturates, and meprobamate, remain in widespread use. They are abused for their effects, with the knowledge of the permanent harmful effects.

You know its funny because so many things are different yet still the same. we just keep changing names and adding regulations.

Do you remember the word Nuerosis? Its now regarded as old-fashioned. What used to be called Anxiety nuerosis is now Anxiety disorder, and is divided in OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Generalized Anxiety disorder, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), Simple phobias, agoraphobia and more.

Everything seems to have a label these days, and when you have a label isn't there always a drug that goes with it?

Make sure you understand and have some knowledge before using and abusing. And if your one of the many who suffers from one or more diseases, understand how many options you have, how much help there is and never give up hope. There will always be a light, you just got to find the switch ; )