Anxiolytics
Medications for Anxiety Relief
Category: CAM
Overview
In plain language
Anxiolytics are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. They work by reducing anxiety symptoms such as excessive worry, nervousness, and restlessness.
Anxiolytics are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. They work by reducing anxiety symptoms such as excessive worry, nervousness, and restlessness.
Anxiolytics are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work by influencing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically those that regulate mood and anxiety. Different types of anxiolytics interact with these neurotransmitters in various ways, each with its own set of potential side effects and considerations for use. It's important to note that anxiolytics are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Benefits
Use this section to compare the kinds of benefits people most often look for from this treatment.
General Benefits
Anxiolytics reduce excessive worry, restlessness, and nervous tension. For older adults, these medications can provide short-term relief that allows for better sleep, focus, and participation in daily activities. When used under careful medical supervision, they help improve quality of life and emotional balance.
Physical Benefits
Relaxes tense muscles: Reduces physical tension that often accompanies anxiety, improving comfort.
Improves sleep quality: Helps individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Decreases stress-related symptoms: Lowers heart rate, muscle stiffness, and other physical signs of anxiety.
Calms breathing: Regulates shallow or rapid breathing associated with panic or worry.
Eases fatigue: Allows the body to rest and recover more effectively by minimizing nervous agitation.
Mental Benefits
Relieves acute anxiety: Quickly reduces overwhelming fear or unease during anxious episodes.
Promotes calm thinking: Slows racing thoughts and supports emotional stability.
Improves mood: Encourages a temporary sense of ease and well-being.
Enhances concentration: Helps reduce distraction caused by stress or worry.
Supports psychotherapy: Allows clearer thinking and better engagement during counseling or therapy.
Conditions This May Help With
See where this treatment appears most often and review the related condition pages for context.
Health Condition
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common emotional state characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing. While a certain amount of anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
5 studies
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Health Condition
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While IBS can affect people of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among young adults and middle-aged individuals.
4 studies
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Health Condition
Depression
Depression, a common mental health condition, can affect people of all ages, including seniors. It's characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. While it can significantly impact daily life, it's important to remember that depression is treatable.
2 studies
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Health Condition
Anemia
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and a lack of them can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. While anemia can affect people of all ages, it is particularly common among older adults.
2 studies
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Health Condition
Insomnia
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for months or years. While insomnia can affect people of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among older adults.
2 studies
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Health Condition
Stress & Worry
Stress and worry are common human emotions, but they can become problematic when they are chronic and overwhelming. For seniors, stress and worry can be particularly challenging, as they may be dealing with significant life changes, health issues, and the loss of loved ones.
0 studies
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Expert View
This treatment is included because our expert advisors consider it relevant, even if supporting studies are still limited.
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Our Experts' Opinion
While we don't yet have peer-reviewed research on anxiolytics in our database, our clinical advisors have reviewed it and included it based on established clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus.
We continuously evaluate new research and will add supporting studies as they become available.
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