Anxiety disorders and panic attacks due to drug addiction and alcoholism

Panic attacks are a modern disease. Psychotherapists say that there is no person who has not experienced this unpleasant condition at least once in his life. In addition, patients often develop conditions in which an anxiety disorder develops, and against the background of this disease, panic attacks become common. This condition causes severe discomfort to the patient and significantly reduces his standard of living. Many drugs are used to treat this disease, and one of the most popular and in demand is Afobazole. In the article we will look in detail at how Afobazol helps with panic attacks.

Compound

The composition of the drug includes:

• potato starch;
• microcrystalline cellulose;
• magnesium stearate;
• lactose;
• povidone.

The main active element is morpholinoethylthioethoxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride.

It stops the process of membrane-dependent changes in the ligand-dependent ion channel of the nervous system. This allows you to inhibit nerve impulses controlled by the main neurotransmitter of the brain.

It has an anxiolytic effect and a moderate sedative effect. It does not have muscle relaxant properties, as a result of which there is no negative effect on concentration and memory.

With long-term use of Afobazole, the substance morpholinoethylthioethoxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride does not cause dependence and is not accompanied by “withdrawal syndrome”.

The action of the drug is based on a combination of anti-anxiety and mild stimulating effects of morpholinoethylthioethoxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride.

A course of taking Afobazole allows you to:

• reduce the severity of anxiety or lead to its complete elimination;
• eliminate the feeling of unreasonable fear, constant worries, negative premonitions, panic attacks;
• reduce irritability, nervousness, fearfulness, anxiety, tearfulness;
• normalize the ability to relax and rest;

• restore the optimal sleep-wake cycle, overcome insomnia;
• eliminate negative muscular, vascular, respiratory, and gastric phenomena that occur due to stress;
• reduce vegetative reactions that accompany a patient with nervous overstrain (dizziness, increased sweating, a feeling of dry mouth and sweaty palms);
• eliminate cognitive disorders (difficulty concentrating, remembering a large flow of information).

According to clinical data, a positive effect when taking the drug is observed after a week-long treatment course.

Does it help?

A distinctive feature of Afobazole is its effect on certain areas of the brain.

This nuance allows not only to eliminate the symptoms of a panic attack, but also to influence the pathology that provoked them.

An exception is panic attacks provoked by vegetative-vascular dystonia , cardiac problems or endocrine disorders.

In these cases, Afobazol will help normalize the psycho-emotional state, but the therapeutic effect will not extend to the underlying disease.

Features of the drug:

1. Afobazole is used for the course treatment of panic attacks (the duration of therapy depends on the individual clinical picture of the patient’s health and psyche).
2. Using the drug as a means of relieving a panic attack will not lead to the expected result (the tablets begin to act within thirty minutes, and the duration of a panic attack in most cases does not exceed fifteen or twenty minutes).

More about vegetative-vascular dystonia

This is a syndrome accompanied by disruption of the autonomic nervous system and functional failures of many organs. Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not a separate disease, but is considered a complex of symptoms of various etiologies.

A similar condition was first described in 1918 in America by the doctor B. Oppenheimer, who called it “neurocirculatory asthenia.” In Soviet times, the syndrome was called vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In the modern world, its manifestations are united under the name “neurocirculatory dystonia”. According to the ICD-10 classification, this is expressed by the concept of “somatoform dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.”

Symptoms of this condition are quite varied:

• pain in the heart area, palpitations;
• breathing disorders in the form of shortness of breath or suffocation, lack of air;
• constant headaches, dizziness;
• poor sleep;
• pain in joints, muscles;
• fatigue, weakness, malaise, loss of consciousness;
• convulsive twitching of arms and legs, tremors;
• violation of thermoregulation;
• low-grade fever up to 37°;
• increased sweating, sensations of heat, dry mouth.

Of course, such manifestations of VSD can have real causes: chronic infections, intoxication, hypoxia, prenatal and postnatal lesions, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with impaired blood supply to the brain.

But most often such symptoms become a manifestation of neuropsychic disorders: hysteria, suspiciousness, increased impressionability, nervous exhaustion.

This is also facilitated by various kinds of events that cause emotional stress and throw the nervous system out of balance. In this case, a number of symptoms are joined by others that indicate mental imbalance:

• sense of anxiety;
• obsessive thoughts and phobias;
• fear of death;
• feeling like you're going crazy;
• disbelief in the reality of what is happening.

Rather, it is nervous disorders that cause painful and unpleasant sensations in other organs. This fact is confirmed by the fact that during the examination, organic disorders in the declared organ are not recorded.

In situations where nervous tension goes beyond acceptable limits and mental state is disturbed, Afobazol will help. The drug is an anxiolytic, that is, it has the ability to eliminate anxiety. Along with it, irritability, excessive concern and groundless fears go away.

Relieving nervous tension, the drug helps to relax, reduce anxiety and improve sleep, and eliminates obsessive fears. With the normalization of the nervous system, symptoms of dysfunction of internal organs disappear. In addition, cognitive functions improve: memory and concentration.

Panic attack clinic

As a rule, anxiety and panic states are mobilized when a person is in danger and needs to fight or flee. However, if a person is not in danger and is safe, a sudden panic attack combined with obsessive thoughts may indicate the presence of some psycho-emotional disorders.

Typically the symptoms of such conditions are:

• sudden pain and heaviness in the heart area;
• cardiopalmus;
• numbness of the limbs;
• dizziness;
• suffocation;
• nausea;
• digestive tract disorder;
• fear of dying;
• detachment;
• feelings of doom and loss of control;
• a feeling of unreality of what is happening;
• chills accompanied by trembling;
• increased sweating.

For the prevention and relief of the main symptoms of panic attacks and obsessive thoughts, Afobazole is used quite often.

How does Afobazol work?

The drug is classified as a tranquilizer, but it should be noted that it stands out compared to its other counterparts.

Most members of this group act on benzodiazepine receptors. In this regard, there are some side effects of such drugs, such as: drowsiness, muscle atony, decreased concentration. Cases of addiction and withdrawal syndrome are common. But Afobazol acts very gently, bypassing all of the above complications. It has no effect on benzodiazepine receptors, acting directly on GABA-sensitive neurons and increasing their sensitivity.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) suppresses increased nervous excitability of the brain. This is the leading neurotransmitter that is responsible for inhibition processes in the central nervous system. It inhibits the action of acetylcholine and adrenaline, which cause emotional outbursts and pain. But at the same time, GABA activates the energy potential of brain tissue, stimulates blood circulation in it and the absorption of glucose and oxygen by cells, that is, it improves trophism or nutrition of the brain.

Afobazole reduces the activity of subcortical centers, such as the thalamus or hypothalamus, which are responsible for human emotions.

By taking Afobazole, you will protect your nervous system without falling into a stupor.

After using Afobazole tablets for nerves, it is unacceptable to drink alcohol. Any medications that directly affect the nervous system should not be combined with alcohol.

Alcohol can greatly enhance the effect of an anxiolytic, which will result in overdose, poisoning, or severe intoxication of the body.

There are known cases of death when large doses of Afobazole are combined with alcoholic beverages.

Replacement therapy

As practice shows, Afobazol is well tolerated by patients, but for a number of reasons, some of them are contraindicated to take it. In this case, the medicine can be adequately replaced by drugs with similar pharmacological effects.

1. "Adaptol". One of the popular analogues belongs to the same group. The active ingredient is mebicar. Affects the hypothalamus and the main neurotransmitter complexes. Relieves anxiety, anxiety, emotional stress. Displaying nootropic properties, it improves attention and increases mental performance.
2. "Tenoten." A Russian substitute belonging to the group of nootropics and tranquilizers. It is considered a homeopathic medicine, which contains antigens to the S-100 protein. Has an anti-anxiety and calming effect. Shows anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-stress, antiasthenic properties. Does not cause drowsiness or muscle relaxation.
3. "Fenzitat." Anxiolytic, part of the group of benzodiazepines. It has anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, sedative and hypnotic effects. It is considered an effective analogue, but has a wide list of side effects and contraindications. Relieves feelings of anxiety, fear, restlessness, and emotional stress.
4. "Grandaxin". It belongs to the group of tranquilizers and is a mild psychoregulator. The drug has a gentle effect on the body without causing drowsiness. Helps relieve autonomic disorders and is suitable for patients with myopathy and myasthenia. Smoothes out the effects of mental overload, increasing performance.

Advice! All of these medications are well tolerated, but they are relatively expensive. Therefore, you can notice them with budgetary means such as: “Novo-Passit”, “Glycine”, “Persen”.

Indications for use

Can be used in complex therapy for patients with somatic, oncological, and dermatological diseases.

The use of the drug is limited when:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• the patient is under 16 years of age;
• individual immunity of the body to the elements of the composition.

Substances included in the tablets can cause an allergic reaction, so patients with hypersensitivity to medicinal elements should prescribe the drug with caution.

Sphere of influence

The drug has a milder and more restrained effect than other tranquilizers. And the question of whether Afobazol will help with severe mental disorders remains open. But he is able to cope with nervous overstrain during VSD.

In addition, experts recommend taking Afobazol for:

• neurasthenia;
• anxiety disorders;
• with psychosomatics;
• alcohol and tobacco withdrawal;
• premenstrual syndrome.

Sometimes people cannot even explain what triggered the emergence of such feelings. However, at the physiological level, this is explained quite simply: a surge of adrenaline entails a sharp stimulation of nervous processes and the functioning of internal organs, and since its action is systemic, the entire body is involved.

PA is mainly mental in nature. It can be caused by stress, nervous overload, emotional tension, as well as hormonal imbalances, alcohol abuse and smoking.

But it should be noted that VSD and panic attack go hand in hand. And often the latter is a manifestation of neurocirculatory dystonia during its exacerbation.

The role of Afobazole during a panic attack is to suppress the release of adrenaline and maintain it at the proper level.

Why is Afobazole used for VSD?

This drug is a selective anxiolytic, so its main effect is aimed at reducing increased anxiety and irritability.
So why then is Afobazole used for VSD? Afobazole is also famous for the fact that it does not cause drug dependence, and therefore it can be used for a long period, which is often required in the treatment of VSD. The product significantly reduces psychological discomfort, removes anxiety, apprehension, aggression and irritability, and frees a person from insomnia and groundless fears.

Rules and features of admission

The drug is available in 10 mg tablets. It is taken 3 times per day, 1 tablet after meals and washed down with water. For panic attacks, the dose is increased to 2 tablets at a time. The maximum permissible daily dose is 60 mg.

Speaking about how long you can take the drug, it should be noted: sometimes treatment is extended up to 3 months. A specific regimen for the use of Afobazole is prescribed by the doctor with further adjustments during therapy.

The opinions of people who have taken the drug are mixed. Both positive and negative reviews are left about it on the forums.

Some claim that the product “acts gently, there is no feeling that you have taken the medicine at all. But the anxiety has subsided!”

“Afobazole undoubtedly made it easier for me to tolerate VSD. ... I sincerely recommend Afobazole, the side effects are minimal... The main thing is to wait time, let the drug open up.”

Others are extremely dissatisfied with the pills: “...the effect is exactly the opposite. Increased anxiety, panic, visual dysfunction, etc. It was some kind of horror!”

Before taking Afobazole, you should understand one simple thing: the drug is not intended for emergency use. It does not relieve an attack of panic attack and other vegetative crises, it prevents their development and has a cumulative effect. The positive effect of it appears only on the 7th day of regular use. Its maximum effect is revealed at 4 weeks of treatment and persists for 2 weeks after cessation of therapy.

Each organism is individual, and it is impossible to predict how this or that drug will affect it. Same with Afobazole!

Very rarely, side effects from the use of the drug occur in the form of nausea, vomiting, stool disorders, allergic reactions, and drowsiness. This mainly happens when the permissible dose is exceeded.

Absolute contraindications to the use of the drug are childhood, pregnancy and lactation, and individual intolerance to its components.

In general, Afobazol receives more positive responses than negative ones. Many are pleased with the absence of excessive drowsiness when taking it, which can be too intrusive and interfere with driving. And you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to purchase the product.

Patients note the following effect after Afobazole:

• inner balance;
• good sleep that occurs within 15 minutes. It’s easy to wake up in the morning, there is no “heaviness” in the head or other unpleasant sensations;
• increased resistance to stressful situations;
• fatigue does not set in as quickly as before;
• tearfulness goes away, and the ability to control your emotions and switch them in a different direction is acquired;
• manifestations of nervous excitement such as nervous tics and convulsive twitching, skin rashes disappear;
• there is a charge of energy and a feeling as if you are ready to move mountains.

In general, Afobazole is a fairly suitable drug for treating VSD, eliminating panic attacks and nervous tension in general. But, like any remedy, it requires strict adherence to the instructions and mandatory consultation with a doctor before using it.

Contraindications

Afobazole is prescribed only to patients who have reached the age of eighteen . Some components of the tablets have a potent effect.

Such components can have a negative effect on the child’s body.

To treat panic attacks in children and adolescents, special medications are used that are designed for these age categories of patients.

Absolute contraindications for taking the drug are:

• pregnancy at any stage and lactation period;
• hypersensitivity to individual components of the tablets;
• lactose intolerance (including glucose-galactose malabsorption);
• lactase deficiency in the body.

How to overcome fear of a new job? You will find advice from psychologists on our website.

Side effects

Side effects are rare; most often patients complain of the development of allergies.

Therapy may also be accompanied by:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• mild depression, apathy.

If undesirable reactions are detected, you should consult your doctor; you may need to reduce the dose of the drug.

It is important to note that the above symptoms are not a reason to discontinue Afobazole as the main drug in the patient’s therapy.

What is Afobazol

This drug has anxiolytic properties, helps relieve anxiety and fear, adapt to new conditions and normalize sleep. Afobazole does not have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and does not have a muscle relaxant effect. Judging by the reviews, Afobazole does not affect muscle tone and motor activity.

This drug is non-toxic and rarely causes side effects, such as:

• allergic rash;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, colic;
• drowsiness;
• headache.

According to most people who have ever taken Afobazole for panic attacks, this drug does not have a negative effect on mental activity, coordination and attention. It does not cause withdrawal symptoms. Most people believe that the drug only eliminates the symptoms, but does not cure the disease itself.

Afobazole is recommended for suspicious, vulnerable and insecure people, as well as for patients suffering from frequent emotional stress reactions. In some situations (for example, during exams or other important events), Afobazol will help activate the central nervous system and increase the speed of thought processes, reduce nervousness and irritability, eliminate anxiety and bad feelings.

Instructions for use

How to take Afobazol tablets for adults:

1. The drug is intended for oral administration.
2. Doctors recommend taking tablets not on an empty stomach, but after meals. This will reduce the negative effects of medicinal components on the stomach.
3. Do not chew or dissolve the tablet. Drink with a small amount of water.
4. A single dosage should not exceed 10 mg.
5. The optimal daily dose is 30 mg, divided into several doses.

Children/adolescents over the age of eighteen are not recommended to exceed the daily dose above 20 mg.

To achieve a positive therapeutic effect, it is necessary to follow a treatment course lasting 2-3 weeks.

For patients with severe forms of psycho-emotional disorders, the daily dosage can be increased to 60 mg, and the therapeutic course extended to 3 months.

Afobazole and its analogues

Drugs that have the same set of active ingredients as Afobazole include:

• Amizil.
• Elenium.
• Phenazepam.
• Atarax, etc.

All of these medications also have their own characteristics, so you cannot independently replace Afobazole with other drugs that are classified as anxiolytic drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor, ask him what he can suggest instead of Afobazole or other tranquilizers.

Some people still believe that vegetative-vascular dystonia cannot be treated, and its symptoms remain for life. This is a misconception that has been debunked many times. Patients undergoing complex treatment managed to get rid of all signs of the disease in 2-3 months.

Sometimes the unpleasant symptoms returned, but a repeated course of treatment made it possible to solve this problem. That is why you should not despair if Afobazol or another remedy did not help the first time; there is always a possibility that further treatment will cure the insidious disease.

Reviews from people after use

I recently became acquainted with Afobazol after visiting a neurologist. Regular stress at work led to insomnia, for which the specialist recommended Afobazol. Before starting therapy, I carefully studied what the drug helps with. One of the areas of action of the tablets is the normalization of sleep-wake patterns.

In the first days of taking the pills, I didn’t notice any special changes. Improvements began on days 6-7. I began to fall asleep quickly, my sleep became sound and long. In addition, I noticed an improvement in my overall emotional background, was less tired at work, and stopped getting irritated by various little things.

After the birth of my child, I began to experience a postpartum crisis. When I realized that I couldn’t cope on my own, I turned to a neurologist. The doctor said that it is advisable to wait until the end of the lactation period and then begin therapy.

As prescribed by the doctor, I started taking Afobazole, three tablets a day. The neurologist immediately warned that the effect of the tablets is cumulative, that is, the result will not be noticeable immediately.

Since I was in a serious psycho-emotional state, the therapeutic course was long - for three months. I feel much better now and fully enjoy motherhood. A good drug, and there were no side effects from it.

In general, patient reviews are positive. A small percentage of patients complain of headaches, occasional dizziness and allergic reactions.

Afobazole is a new generation selective anxiolytic used for mental disorders of mild to moderate severity. Requires strict adherence to dosage, depending on the patient’s diagnosis.

It is strictly unacceptable to use the medicine for self-medication; how to take Afobazole should be determined by the attending physician depending on the patient’s condition.

Therapy with Afobazol gives positive results in the treatment of 96% of patients. For severe forms of the disease, I prescribe complex therapy in combination with other antipsychotics.

The advantages of the drug include good tolerability by patients and a minimal number of adverse reactions, which occur in no more than 20% of patients.

Neurologists speak positively about the effect of the drug, so they trust it with the health of their patients.