Lexapro Can Help You Gain Control of your Anxiety

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Lexapro Can Help You Gain Control of your Anxiety - By: Jonathan Sapling, Posted on: 2007-06-06

Lexapro is a commonly prescribed drug used to treat anxiety. Lexapro is sometimes used in combination with counseling or psychotherapy to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

There are several types of anxiety medications.

The widely used type is called a SRI (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), and Lexapro anxiety drug falls into that category. These medications, by changing the balance of a substance in the brain, are believed to influence mood.

Lexapro anxiety medicine may take several weeks to reach its full effectiveness, but seems to work well and is considered safe.

If you have already been prescribed Lexapro anxiety medicine you have already taken an important first step toward improving your generalized anxiety disorder. Now you may be wondering what you can expect from treatment with Lexapro and what you can do to get the best results.

Here are some extra steps your physician may advise to help you feel better as you move forward with your therapy:

Avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro.

Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is known to make a person jittery and anxious and can disrupt the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.

Consult with your healthcare professional about other prescription and nonprescription drugs you may be taking (herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, diet preparations, NSAIDs).

Practice breathing or relaxation techniques. Learning how to breathe correctly during times of stress can reduce heart rate, blood pressure and muscle pain and increase circulation. You can start by inhaling through your nose and holding your breath a few seconds and then exhaling through your mouth. Look for yoga and meditation classes that may be offered in your area.

Set limits and learn to say no. Trying to cram too much into your day can zap energy and leave a person irritable and anxious. Set priorities and limit daily activities to a level that feels comfortable to you.

Exercise. Even mild exercise like walking 30 minutes a day may have a positive effect on anxiety. Always consult your healthcare professional before you engage in an exercise program.

Follow through with your treatment. You may not benefit by taking Lexapro or attending therapy if you do either on a hit or miss basis. Continue to take Lexapro as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking Lexapro without consulting your doctor.

Take advantage of resources available in your community or online. Support groups, online anxiety forums and chat rooms, and educational materials in addition to Lexapro anxiety medication can help you gain control of your life.

Article Source: http://www.girlarticles.com

Jonathan Sapling writes extensively on anxiety disorder and related mental health issues.
To read more about anxiety disorder go to his Anxiety Disorder Site
Or visit his blog about: Mental Health News