Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication may help those suffering from anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants are also used to alleviate anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram help by stopping neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin. This chemical can affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are potent medications for treating anxiety. They work quickly. They can also be physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used for long periods. This is why they should be prescribed and administered under the guidance of a doctor. They can be used as an "as-needed" treatment for panic episodes and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos are often utilized in conjunction with other medicines such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of an overall treatment plan for anxiety disorders.
Benzos can be extremely effective in managing anxiety for a short period of time, and also help you sleep well. However they are also dangerous when abused, and they are not recommended for use with some other medications. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives, such as alcohol and opioid pain medication, the risk of death or overdose is increased. They also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines can be safe and effective in treating anxiety disorders. A lot of doctors are cautious when prescribing them as they can lead to addiction and have adverse side effects, like memory loss. anxiety treatment I Am Psychiatry -term use can trigger severe withdrawal reactions and those who become dependent are frequently not able to stop taking them without experiencing serious symptoms such as depression and seizures. The most important thing to remember when using benzos for long-term use is to use them only for patients who may benefit from them, and use them in clinical situations that will likely alleviate anxiety symptoms; avoid long-term use or abrupt discontinuation; minimize the risk of abuse, particularly among children; and combine them with effective psychological treatments.
Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines can ease anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerve signals and thus preventing their firing in the brain. These medications can assist you in sleeping better and feel less anxious however they aren't going to solve the root cause of what makes you feel anxious (like increasing costs or a relationship that isn't working).
There are a variety of natural methods to lessen anxiety such as meditation, exercise and yoga. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to overcome irrational fears or anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a good alternative for those suffering from anxiety as they affect the brain to control mood. However, they could take between four and six weeks or more to start working. If a person doesn't feel better after this time you should talk to the doctor about changing their the medication.
The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine and nefazodone are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may be more effective than older drugs, such as venlafaxine XR. However it is important to remember that these medications can cause a severe reaction in some individuals. If you have this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and talk to an experienced nurse.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs are a different type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They block the actions of enzymes that degrade chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This causes the levels of these chemicals to rise, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for those who do not improve on other kinds of antidepressants, however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
The most effective antidepressants for anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in how they treat anxiety and other mental disorders, but they have fewer adverse effects. They begin with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as dosage increases. Tricyclics are effective for treating panic disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but they are less likely to help with generalized anxiety disorder.
A newer antidepressant, called buspirone, is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer that doesn't have the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect coordination or memory. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain and decreasing dopamine levels. About 70% of people who try the drug will find it to be effective. The adverse effects are likely to diminish as the medication is used for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be utilized alongside these medications to improve the effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, typically every day, twice. It's not a controlled substance however, it has potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how buspirone works, but they believe that it reduces the amount of serotonin as well as its actions in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to anxiety and stress.
Buspirone is generally regarded as safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It's generally regarded to have a lower level of toxicity and a smaller risk for addiction than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Like other medicines they can cause side effects. The most common ones are nausea and dizziness. Buspirone can interact with other medications, supplements, and ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these before starting the drug.
Your doctor may prescribe the dose you need to take if are over 65. This is due to the fact that older people tend to react to drugs differently than younger people do. This is especially true of drugs that affect the nervous system.
It's also important to inform your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), Phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious side effects due to increasing the dosage of these drugs.
Tell your doctor to consult your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems stomach issues, are nursing or pregnant. In these situations, certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be appropriate for you.
Your doctor could recommend a different treatment when buspirone fails to work or if you are unable to take it due to a medical issue, or due to an interaction with a different drug. This could be a new type of antidepressant such as Lexapro or Prozac or beta blockers such as propranolol; or a benzodiazepine, like Xanax. The PIL for each drug will include more information about the best way to take it and possible side effects.
Other Medicines
There are other options to help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an option. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to cope with anxiety and change your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining an workout routine, and avoiding drinking and using drugs. Some people experience relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medications. If none of these options work, talk to your doctor.
Medicines used as an anxiety treatment usually fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, like Ativan (lorazepam) are able to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, in your brain, which helps to increase peace. They offer quick relief, however they can be addictive if they are used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, called neurotransmitters, which affect your mood.
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are the most common type of antidepressant for anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, the chemical messenger in your brain, which can boost your mood and help you feel less anxious. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that blocks the reabsorption both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine out of your brain. This boosts the levels of these chemicals in your body, which makes you feel more energized. A third antidepressant class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in those who don't respond to SSRIs.
There are also a number of other medicines that are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone) as well as alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and clonidine. These medications have a lower percentage of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't always be used. Non-drug treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying cause for your anxiety like eating disorders, debt or a relationship that is unhealthy. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as biofeedback, which helps you to manage your own brain waves using a monitoring device; and mindfulness meditation, a form of meditation that focuses on the present moment.