Stress, medically referred to as anxiety, can dramatically reduce one's enjoyment of life. Symptoms of stress can also increase blood pressure, lead to poor eating habits and sleeping problems, and can even exacerbate reliance on alcoholic beverages. However, there are medications available for stress, whether it is the result of a temporary condition or a more pervasive mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety disorder, according to MedlinePlus.com.
Xanax
Benzodiazepine drugs are one of the most common ways to treat stress and anxiety, according to MedlinePlus. Xanax, chemically known as alprazolam, is a government-approved method of treating stress. The medication is available in both brand and generic form as pills, orally disintegrating tablets, extended-release pills, and liquid solution. Xanax does have some abuse potential and thus its prescriptions are monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA.) Xanax works by changing brain chemicals that cause stress and anxiety.
Valium
Valium is another benzodiazepine used to treat stress and can also be helpful for accompanying insomnia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Valium is chemically known as diazepam and is available as a pill, disintegrating tablet, extended-release pill, liquid solution, or injection. Shots are usually given only in hospital settings, as Valium does have abuse potential, like any other benzodiazepine. Side effects possible with Valium, and sister benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax, include unsteady walking, tiredness, and slurred speech.
Paroxetine
Paxil, chemically known as paroxetine, is an antidepressant that works to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Paxil is an SSRI and, unlike benzodiazepines, it can take as long as eight weeks for the medication to reduce stress and anxiety. However, Paxil usually costs about $4 throughout the United States and it is not . Side effects possible with Paxil include decreased sexual ability and desire, sleepiness, and stomachache.
Trazodone
Trazodone, which is also marketed under the brand name Desyrel, is an antidepressant that works as a mood elevator to reduce stress, anxiety, and accompanying depression. Trazodone can be taken with other drugs, such as Paxil and Xanax with monitoring, and is also helpful to reduce insomnia associated with stress. As of August 2009, the medication usually cost about $4 in the United States. Trazodone is not considered a potentially addictive drug. Side effects possible include dry mouth and unpleasant taste.
Ambien
Ambien, chemically known as zolpidem, is a sleeping pill that is sometimes prescribed in cases of severe stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can be prescribed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines. However, Ambien is considered a potentially addictive medication and its use is monitored by the DEA. Ambien also should not be used regularly and only in cases of severe insomnia, resulting from stress. Daytime sleepiness is possible when using Ambien and other sleeping pills.
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