Many people complain that the older they get, the more anxious they feel. Anxiety in old age is one of the most common psychological symptoms. According to the Korean Society of Geriatric Psychiatry, the elderly experience great psychological stress due to bereavement, retirement, economic hardship, the possibility of being a target of crime, and abuse.
In addition, the elderly often suffer from various diseases due to physical aging. Aging also causes neurobiological changes in the brain, so it is a natural phenomenon to feel anxious as we get older.
However, even if it is a natural phenomenon, it is a very difficult choice to continue living with anxiety. One of the ways to alleviate anxiety disorder in old age is to administer an appropriate amount of medication. Medical News Today, an American health portal, has compiled a list of medications that can help relieve anxiety in the elderly without being excessive.
1. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Duloxetine is one of the medications prescribed for depression. Duloxetine helps the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps keep more chemicals active in the brain.
Adequate secretion of serotonin can lead to a positive mind and a feeling of calm and security.
Side effects of duloxetine include nausea and decreased appetite. It is a symptom that occurs when tension is relieved too much, and you may feel temporarily lethargic or lethargic.
2. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Escitalopram is a drug widely used for depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. This also selectively increases the action of serotonin. Administer once a day in the morning or in the evening, regardless of meals. Care should be taken not to exceed 20 mg per day.
Side effects of escitalopram include anorgasmia, decreased libido, and nausea. Sexual dysfunction is known as a common side effect of taking antidepressants. Although escitalopram is usually known to have fewer side effects, drug interactions should be checked when co-administered with other antipsychotics.
3. Buspiron (Bus Part)
Buspirone is used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It has the advantage of being free from potential addictiveness, dependence, and tolerance. It is important to take it consistently, as the effects are not immediate. Also, be careful not to consume more than 60mg per day.
A common side effect is mild dizziness. In addition, about 10% of users showed side effects such as drowsiness, headache, and neurosis.
4. Venlafaxine (Effector)
Venlafaxine is a drug that is used as an antidepressant or anxiolytic, and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. When the reuptake of serotonin is blocked, the concentration of serotonin in the synapse increases, which relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A side effect of venlafaxine is nausea or sexual dysfunction seen with common antidepressants. There is no need to worry too much if you take the right amount.
5. Sertraline (Zoloport)
Sertraline is also one of the antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Sertraline is known to be effective for severe mood swings and sudden irritability in addition to depression and anxiety symptoms.
When administering the above five drugs, you must check the time it takes for the drugs to act, and if you are taking other drugs, you should review what interactions with those drugs may occur before deciding whether to take the drug.
In addition, it is important to avoid misuse by taking the medicine under the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. 