Patients are advised to use caution when driving and operating heavy machinery. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBeta-Blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beta-blockers are a class of medication that predominantly helps lower blood pressure, manage abnormal heart rhythms, and help the heart beat slower and with less force. Beta-blockers block receptors that usually respond to the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) and trigger the fight-or-flight response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with anxiety have fight-or-flight responses that are more easily triggered than the average person. Therefore beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to help people with panic disorder, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, which include elevated heart rate, sweating, and feelings of panic or impending doom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Beta-Blockers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Some examples of oral beta-blockers include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acebutolol<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Acebutolol treats high blood pressure and chest pain and controls irregular heartbeat by relaxing blood vessels and arteries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Atenolol<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Atenolol is a beta blocker that helps reduce the effects of high blood pressure and chest pain, such as angina, by regulating circulation and widening arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Propranolol<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Propranolol is a medication used for chest pain such as angina and to reduce the chances of a heart attack. This medication also helps patients that suffer from fast and irregular heartbeat by slowing down the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pregabalin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pregabalin is an anxiolytic medication commonly used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Some common side effects of pregabalin are<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Feeling tired and increased sleepiness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Headache <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dizziness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nausea <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mood changes <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blurred vision <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased appetite and weight gain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Memory problems <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, which is a class of medication that treats seizures. This medication reduces anxiety symptoms by decreasing excitement in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Some common side effects of gabapentin to be aware of are<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Nausea and vomiting <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Double or blurred vision <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drowsiness, tiredness, and weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Memory problems <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unsteadiness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Diphenhydramine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diphenhydramine is a sedative antihistamine medication used to treat allergies. This medication treats the physical symptoms of anxiety and is also used as a sleep aid for patients with insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diphenhydramine has not been FDA-approved as a treatment for anxiety but is prescribed as an off-label treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Diphenhydramine may cause the following side effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Increased drowsiness and sleepiness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased chest congestion and productive cough <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased and irregular heartbeats<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nausea and vomiting <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Constipation and stomach aches <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Painful or little urination <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t