Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication may help people suffering from anxiety disorders. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants also help treat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are effective in preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that influences mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs that treat anxiety very well and work quickly. They can also be physically addictive and pose serious risks to your safety if you use them for prolonged periods. This is why they should be prescribed and administered under the guidance of a physician. They are useful as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos are often utilized together with other medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of an overall treatment plan for anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective in treating anxiety for a short duration, and they can help you sleep well. They can be hazardous if abused and are not recommended for use alongside other medicines. When mixed with sedative drugs like alcohol or pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of a fatal overdose and even death. They also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious when it comes to using them due to the fact that they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use can cause severe withdrawal reactions and those who become dependent on them are often incapable of stopping their use without experiencing severe symptoms such as seizures and depression. The key to long term benzo use is to prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from them, making use of them in settings that are likely improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding long-term use or abrupt withdrawal and reducing the chance of abuse, and combing them with a psychological intervention.
Anxiety medication like benzodiazepines can alleviate anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerves signals and thus preventing their transmission to the brain. These drugs can aid in sleeping more comfortably and feel less stressed but they can't fix the underlying problem that's making you feel anxious (like mounting bills or an unhealthy relationship).
Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural ways to reduce anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to overcome irrational fears or worries.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a good option for people suffering from anxiety since they affect the brain to control mood. However, they may take anywhere from four to six weeks or more to begin working. If someone isn't feeling better after the time frame they should speak to their doctor about changing their medication.
The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine and nefazodone can also be beneficial in treating anxiety. They may work faster than older medications such as venlafaxine and XR. However it is important to remember that these medications can cause severe reactions in some individuals. If you encounter this reaction, contact healthdirect at 1800 022222 to speak to an experienced nurse.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are a different kind of antidepressant that can be employed to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain into noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to increase and have a positive impact on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for those who do not respond to other antidepressants, however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
One of the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs treat mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar to SSRIs, but with fewer negative side effects. They begin with a low dose and their effectiveness improves as the dosage increases. Tricyclics are effective in treating panic, anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, they might not be as effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, a more recent antidepressant is also used to treat anxiety. It functions as an a mild tranquilizer, however it doesn't have the same side effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect memory or coordination. It is a way of increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. Up to 70% of those who take the drug find it effective. The risk of side effects tends to decrease as the medication is taken for longer durations. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, can be combined with these medications to enhance their effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken orally typically twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however there is the potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how buspirone works, but believe that it reduces the levels of serotonin and its effects in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous systems less susceptible to anxiety and stress.
In general, doctors consider buspirone a safe drug for most people. It is generally believed to be less harmful and has a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. However, like anxiety treatment at home there are adverse effects. The most common side effects are nausea and dizziness. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements and ingredients you are taking prior to starting buspirone since it can interact with them.
Your doctor may recommend the dose you need to take if are over 65. This is because older people tend to respond to drugs differently than younger people do. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
Tell your doctor if any of these drugs are being taken by you. This includes isocarboxazid selegiline, phenelzine and linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can cause serious adverse side effects by increasing the dosage of these drugs.
It is also important to let your doctor know if you suffer from kidney illness, stomach issues or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Certain medications, like SSRIs might not be suitable for you under these situations.
If buspirone isn't working or you're unable to use it due to a medical condition or interaction with another medication or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative method of treatment for your anxiety. This could be a different kind of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac; a beta blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL will give more details about how to make use of the drug as well as possible adverse reactions.
Other Medicines
There are other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a possibility. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping to help reduce anxiety. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining an exercise routine, and avoiding drinking and using drugs. Some people find relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medication. If you've tried these alternatives but they don't work, talk to your doctor.
Antidepressants andbenzodiazepines are the two major categories of medication used to combat anxiety. Benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam) are able to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA in your brain, which helps to increase tranquility. They can bring relief quickly, but they can also become addictive if used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work, but they stabilize the levels in your brain of certain neurotransmitters. These chemicals affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants for anxiety. They increase the level of the chemical messenger serotonin in your brain, which can improve your mood and make you feel less stressed. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, stop the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. A third antidepressant class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors, or MAOIs, can be used to treat anxiety in those who aren't responsive to SSRIs.
There are also a number of other medications that are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone) alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and clonidine. These medicines have a lower chance of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
Although medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't be the only treatment you use. If you have a root cause for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or a bad relationship, non-drug treatments may be more effective. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) biofeedback (which teaches you how to manage your brain's waves using a monitoring device), and mindfulness meditation.