Types of Medications for PAD

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Types of Medications For PAD

Benzodiazepine Tranquilizers (also known as antianxiety medications or minor tranquilizers)

Ativan (lorazepam), Dalmane (flurazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam, Rivotril), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Restoril (temazepam), Serax (oxazepam), Tranxene (clorazepate), Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam)

Ilnesses Or Problems For Which These Medications Are Most Often Used:

Akathisia (restlessness caused by antipsychotic medications)
Anxiety
Clonazepam (Klonopin) to stabilize mood in Bipolar Disorder
Detoxification from alcohol or other sedatives
Insomnia
Panic attacks
Seizure disorders
Severe agitation

The Facts About Benzodiazepine Medications:

They can be addictive for some people.
You need to take them exactly as prescribed.
The number of milligrams prescribed is a very individual matter.
Medications are usually only a part of treatment. Psychotherapy, skills training and lifestyle management are very important too.
It can be very dangerous to stop taking them abruptly. The dose needs to be reduced slowly and gradually when stopping.

The Usual Course Of Treatment

Very low starting dose.
Dose gradually increased to a standard level.
When used to treat insomnia, these medications may be used intermittently.
It is usually recommended that they be stopped as soon as possible because of the risk of addiction.
When used to treat prolonged disorders like Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, phobias, or some of the other anxiety disorders, they are often used safely and effectively for prolonged periods of time.
When stopped, the dose is always slowly and gradually reduced.

The Most Common Side Effects of The Benzodiazepine Medications

Daytime hangover or sleepiness poor coordination
Dizziness problems with memory/learning
Drowsiness or fatigue reduced mental responsiveness
Excitement/restlessness reduced physical responsiveness
Impaired judgment reduced tolerance for alcohol, narcotics, other sedatives
Inattention

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Elavil (amitriptyline, Endep), Ludiomil (maprotiline), Norpramin (desipramine, Pertofrane), Pamelor (nortriptyline, Aventyl), Sinequan (doxepin, Adapin), Tofranil (imipramine), and Vivactil (protriptyline, Triptil).

Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, were one of the first classes of antidepressants developed. Though they do generally have more side effects than SSRIs, some people find them more effective in treating the symptoms of clinical depression. In addition to treating depression, TCAs (particularly Anafranil) are sometimes used to control the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline, Lustral).

The most significant new class of psychotropic medications marketed in recent years is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Claims of decreased adverse effects and increased safety have led to extensive use of these drugs by non-psychiatrists. The four SSRIs available in the United States are fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Although the SSRIs are used primarily to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, they are also useful in the treatment of other psychiatric disorders.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Antidepressants

Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), and Parnate (tranylcypromine).

These drugs affect nerve transmissions in the brain. They are used to treat depression. Take these medication as directed. Watch the diet carefully while on this medication. Do not use any alcoholic beverages or foods high in tyramine. Also avoid products containing caffeine.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers, Buspar (buspirone), and Neurontin (gabapentin).

Beta Blockers are used to treat the following Disorders And Symptoms:

angina
anxiety
arrhythmias of the heart
high blood pressure
migraine headaches
restlessness caused by other medications
social phobia
stage fright
tremor caused by other medications
very rapid heart beat caused by other medications
violence

The Facts About Beta Blockers:

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They are not addictive.
They usually have to be taken for quite awhile, even after your symptoms are in good control.
Medications are usually only a part of treatment. Psychotherapy, skills training and lifestyle management are very important too.
Do not stop beta blockers abruptly. To prevent medical complications, the dose must be slowly and gradually decreased.

The Most Common Side Effects

Constipation, decreased sexual performance, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, low blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, sedation, fatigue or weakness, slow heart rate.

Go here for additional information on medication side-effects.

Also, some people actually fear taking any type of medication. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with that.

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