Prescription Drugs and Stress
Stress is a part of life. It can accentuate positive experiences or, when gone awry, can produce physical symptoms and contribute to the worsening of some diseases. In general, prescription drug therapy is not indicated for the management of daily life stress. A proper diet, exercise and an emotional support system can help in the management of daily life stress for most people. However, in some catastrophic life situations, significant anxiety accompanied by severe symptoms of apprehension, worry, fear and nervousness that inhibit life activities may be helped by short-term drug treatment.
When Short-Term Therapy Is Necessary
Benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax) may be used on a short-term basis to control symptoms of an acute stressful event. Side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, memory impairment, muscle weakness and inhibiting tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Because long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence or addiction, most physicians recommend a short course of therapy,
usually less than two weeks.
Talk With Your Doctor
When attempting to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine therapy, patients report worsening of insomnia, increased anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations, tremors and dizziness. Today there are other drug treatment options available, which do not have the same addiction potential as benzodiazepines. Drug therapies are dependent on each patient's unique situation. Discuss your options with your physician.