Hearing the word “tranquilizer” from a doctor, many hypochondriacs become upset or scared. Aren't such medications only intended for mentally ill people? No, these drugs have a fairly wide range of consumers, even though the drugs fall into the “powerful” category.
The main purpose of a tranquilizer is to calm, and nervous disorders vary in severity. And not all conditions can be eliminated with simple sedative drops. Especially with aggravated vegetative-vascular dystonia with regular severe panic attacks. Atarax for VSD is prescribed to the patient just in such cases.
Tranquilizers for VSD
However, it is initially necessary to understand why various tranquilizers are often used to treat VSD. Sometimes this very word causes some fear in a person, because most people associate tranquilizers with medicine that people with mental disorders take. In fact, when translated, the word means “to calm”; naturally, these are quite strong and powerful remedies, but there is nothing terrible in their use if such treatment is prescribed by a professional doctor.
As you know, vegetative-vascular dystonia has many different symptoms, among which the most common are:
- increased irritability;
- causeless anxiety, fear;
- emotional instability;
- insomnia, sleep disturbance;
- frequent headaches.
In such situations, tranquilizers act as a sedative. These are not drugs, but simply potent drugs that normalize the functioning of the human nervous system.
In any case, tranquilizers are prescribed by the attending physician, and they cannot be used at will, because only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the necessary course of treatment.
Any tranquilizers for VSD should be prescribed only by the attending physician
Clinical picture
The combination of “VSD and cervical osteochondrosis” has specific symptoms:
- back pain;
- discomfort in the arms and legs along the nerve roots;
- numbness of fingers;
- development of intercostal neuralgia;
- crunching in the neck when turning the head;
- loss of sensitivity in hands and feet;
- "pins and needles" sensation in the limbs.
Cardiac symptoms
Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis and VSD are combined with cardiac symptoms. The heart begins to beat faster, and sometimes the pulse slows down. Painful sensations occur behind the sternum.
Some patients complain of vascular pulsation in the neck, arms, and legs. There is a fear of cardiac arrest.
Respiratory system
There is a feeling of lack of air with osteochondrosis. A person may complain that it is difficult for him to breathe, or that it is impossible to take a full breath. Sometimes there is shortness of breath. In advanced cases, it is present even when the person is lying or sitting.
The feeling of lack of air is combined with a feeling of heaviness in the chest. This symptom is aggravated when the patient lies down. Symptoms become more pronounced against the background of panic attacks.
Digestive system
With VSD and osteochondrosis, the following signs appear:
- bloating;
- nausea;
- heartburn;
- frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- diarrhea.
If a person is very worried, nausea occurs, and painful sensations appear in the stomach.
This symptomatology appears against the background of compression of the root of the thoracic spine.
Nervous system
The patient becomes too emotional, he can be irritated by any trifle. Meteorological dependence arises. A day that is too hot or cloudy can make you feel drowsy. Some patients have problems falling asleep.
A painful burning sensation occurs in the head with cervical osteochondrosis. Discomfort is explained by impaired venous outflow. Sometimes there is trembling and fainting.
Against the background of reduced blood flow, noise appears in the hearing organs. “Floaters” begin to flash before your eyes.
What is Atarax? Properties of the drug
The clinical and pharmacological group of the drug is a tranquilizer. Its main active ingredient is hydroxyzine dihydrochloride. The product has several distinct functions: hypnotic, sedative, anti-anxiety and relaxing. It is not an antidepressant, but at the same time helps to cope with depression and other anxiety conditions.
Generally speaking, Atarax differs from other tranquilizers in the following qualities and characteristics:
- Has an antispasmodic effect.
- Normalizes sleep.
- Eliminates fatigue and prevents overwork, reduces muscle tone.
- Eliminates a person's feeling of causeless anxiety.
- Removes increased nervousness and irritability.
- Improves human memory, activates brain function.
Worth seeing: Weakness with VSD
Atarax for depression is as effective as for VSD, neurosis, panic attacks and other mental disorders. In addition, the product is used for various allergic reactions, urticaria, eliminating itching and stopping inflammatory processes.
This information is not advertising or calling for any action. The drug, which is classified as a tranquilizer, can be used for medicinal purposes only after consultation with an experienced doctor.
Atarax relieves irritability, nervousness, dizziness
Manifestation of PA
VSD, panic attacks and cervical osteochondrosis have the following common symptoms:
- increased heart rate;
- dyspnea;
- confusion of thoughts;
- sleep disturbance;
- dry mouth;
- pain syndrome in the heart area.
Panic attacks are also characterized by the appearance of unmotivated fears and obsessions. A person is usually afraid of going crazy or suddenly dying. Fear for loved ones is less common. Panic recedes as suddenly as it appeared.
Worsening of symptoms
When the pathology progresses, panic attacks with cervical osteochondrosis have more severe symptoms:
- disturbance of visual perception;
- dizziness;
- impairment of auditory perception;
- instability;
- numbness in the arms or legs;
- convulsive muscle contraction;
- tingling in the arms or legs.
Unsteadiness in gait may occur. Sometimes when new panic attacks occur, the feeling of fear becomes less.
Provoking factors
PAs can occur due to prolonged stay in a not very comfortable position. Emotional, physical or intellectual fatigue can play an unfavorable role.
Against this background, increased compression of the arteries occurs. The functioning of the brain is impaired.
Osteochondrosis, accompanied by PA, is aggravated by the presence of fear of new attacks.
Indications and contraindications
The remedy is indicated in the presence of the following signs and diseases:
- Anxiety states observed in adult patients.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- Itchy skin.
- The period of premedication, when there is a need for a high-quality sedative.
- Panic attacks.
- Prolonged insomnia.
Despite the fact that short-term use of the product does not pose any danger, its use should be avoided in the following cases:
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding period.
- Allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- Glaucoma (a group of diseases of the organ of vision).
- Galactose intolerance.
- Myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease).
As you can see, there are some contraindications that cannot be identified at home, for example, intolerance to components. That is why it is recommended to contact a specialist who will initially conduct an examination and only then give advice on the use of the product.
Taking Atarax during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated.
general information
VSD and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are combined against the background of compression of one of the vertebral arteries.
Also, the connection between these pathologies is explained by the compression of both vascular trunks that run in the canals on the right and left sides of the spine.
Poor circulation
Inflammatory swelling puts pressure on the vertebral arteries. The result of this is a narrowing of the lumen. Blood circulation in the brain is disrupted, which leads to the appearance of specific symptoms.
Atherosclerotic deposits
Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis and VSD can “cooperate” against the background of the presence of atherosclerotic deposits inside the vascular wall. This is often observed in elderly patients.
Blood flow to the brain decreases, and hypoxic symptoms increase.
The brain stem contains large autonomic centers. The clinical picture is formed against the background of a violation of their trophism.
Causes of panic attacks
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks are combined due to compression of the cervical arteries, which supply the brain with oxygenated blood, as well as the microelements it needs.
As this pathology develops, the following happens:
- Brain nutrition is disrupted.
- Compression of the arterial trunks is observed.
- The formation of growths on the bones is observed.
- Displacement of the cervical vertebrae is diagnosed.
- Thinning and deformation of the intervertebral discs occurs.
Panic attacks with osteochondrosis are manifested not only by external symptoms. The internal environment of the body changes. There is a disturbance in calcium metabolism. There is a change in the amino acid profile and blood pH.
This leads to inexplicable anxiety, irrational, uncontrollable fear.
Use for VSD and side effects
Atarax tablets are used for VSD as follows:
- Adults are prescribed tablets 25-100 mg per day 2-3 times a day. Typically, the average dosage is 50 mg per day. In exceptional cases, the dosage is increased to 250 mg.
- This drug is also prescribed to children, but the dosage in this case should not be more than 1-2 mg per 1 kg of the child’s weight per day.
- Atarax is taken orally; in the first days you need to carefully monitor it to ensure that there are no side effects.
Elderly patients most often reduce the dosage by half, even if they have pronounced symptoms of VSD.
Side effects include possible tachycardia, dry mouth, increased sweating, mild fever and even convulsions. If you notice these or other side effects, be sure to tell your doctor at your next visit. Atarax is a potent drug, and therefore patients need proper supervision by specialists.
Increased sweating can be one of the side effects of using Atarax
Overdose
In case of an overdose of the drug, the following symptoms may appear: increased anticholinergic effects, depression or paradoxical stimulation of the central nervous system, nausea, vomiting, involuntary motor activity, hallucinations, impaired consciousness, arrhythmia, arterial hypotension;
rarely - tremors, convulsions, disorientation, which occur with a significant overdose. To get rid of the consequences of an overdose, the following actions are recommended. If spontaneous vomiting is absent, it is necessary to induce it artificially or perform gastric lavage. Carry out general measures aimed at maintaining the vital functions of the body and monitor the patient until the symptoms of intoxication disappear in the next 24 hours.
If it is necessary to obtain a vasopressor effect, norepinephrine or metaramenol is prescribed. Epinephrine should not be used. There is no specific antidote. The use of hemodialysis is ineffective.
Reviews from doctors
Reviews of Atarax for VSD from doctors create one general opinion regarding this drug. Experts especially note the following points:
- As befits a high-quality tranquilizer, Atarax has an excellent calming effect. If you have symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, stress and depression, you must take the drug for a certain period of time.
- Atarax performs a hypnotic function. This has a beneficial effect on a person who suffers from insomnia due to vegetative-vascular dystonia. However, you should be careful when driving a car while using the drug, since it has a direct effect on a person, reducing his reaction speed and reducing his concentration.
- Patients taking this drug should refrain from drinking alcohol, otherwise not only will the treatment itself be delayed, but the person may also experience unwanted side effects.
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How you can help
After the causes and symptoms have been thoroughly studied, treatment involves combating cervical osteochondrosis.
The difficulty is that a person with this diagnosis rarely finds the strength to play sports or perform physical therapy exercises. Due to apathy and worsening fears, he prefers to take medications. Because of this, the symptoms “fall asleep” and the solution to the problem does not move forward.
The doctor begins to treat osteochondrosis:
- gymnastic exercises;
- physiotherapy;
- drugs.
If the neck does not strain too much, medications are prescribed to relieve muscle spasms, relieve inflammation, and improve blood flow. It is allowed not only to take pills, but also to use special gels, ointments, and creams.
If the pulling sensation is very strong, painkillers are prescribed.
Effective neck exercises
Gymnastics is performed as follows:
- stretch the neck back, maintaining the level of the eyes and lower jaw;
- stretch the trapezius muscle;
- make a careful movement of the neck down;
- do flexion, extension;
- perform turns;
- do stretching;
- perform lateral bending;
- We do rotation.
During exercise, your neck may crack more than once. Therefore, you should do gymnastics only in the presence of a doctor.
Symptomatic therapy
Also, osteochondrosis against the background of VSD is treated with sedative medications and antioxidants. If blood flow is reduced, medications that improve cerebral circulation are prescribed. When blood pressure rises, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed.
In milder cases, the patient is prescribed psychotherapy sessions.
Treatment of PA with medications
The patient is given an appointment:
- Antidepressants.
- Chondroprotectors.
- Vitamins.
- Mineral complexes.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Painkillers.
The most effective antidepressants include Grandaxin, Afobazol, Bellaspon. Among chondroprotectors, Alflutop and Rumalon are prescribed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen, Diclofenac. Among the painkillers - Ketanova, No-shpy.
The best medications that improve metabolic processes and blood circulation are Vasobral and Vinpocetine.
Undergoing physical therapy
Vegetative vascular dystonia, accompanied by panic attacks, is treated with:
- cupping massage;
- stone therapy;
- manual manipulations;
- exercise therapy exercises.
