Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting, and that can grow progressively worse.

 

Depending on the type of anxiety, a person can experience several possible anxiety symptoms, including:

 

In general, two types of anxiety treatment are available for an anxiety disorder:

 

Stelazine is approved for short-term treatment of anxiety. Because of the potentially serious Stelazine side effects, it should be used only when other anxiety medications have failed or cannot be taken for various reasons. When taken for anxiety, Stelazine should not be taken at doses higher than 6 mg a day or for more than 12 weeks.

 

How Stelazine Works

Stelazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. When used to treat schizophrenia, it is known as a typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medication. It is not entirely known how the drug works. However, it is known that Stelazine blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. Stelazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety -- it only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Anxiety Symptoms).