Anxiety Treatment Medications
People with anxiety disorders often recover through psychotherapy and medication. 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 citalopram and fluoxetine are effective in preventing neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical can affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs that are effective in treating anxiety and work quickly. However, they also are physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used over long durations. This is why they should be prescribed and taken under the supervision of a medical professional. They are useful as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy, antidepressants and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzos can be extremely effective in treating anxiety for a short period of time, and also help you sleep well. They can be hazardous when used in excess and are not recommended to be used with other medications. When benzodiazepines are mixed with sedatives like alcohol and opioid pain medications the risk of dying or overdose increases. They may also interact with antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, social anxiety disorder treatment are cautious about taking them because they are addictive and can cause adverse side effects such as memory loss. Long-term use can trigger an extreme withdrawal reaction and those who are dependent on them are frequently incapable of stopping their use without experiencing severe side effects such as seizures and depression. The most important aspect 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 withdrawal or abrupt discontinuation and reducing the chance of abuse, and using them in conjunction with effective psychological interventions.
Anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines, can help reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from being released in the brain. These medications can help you sleep and feel less anxious, but they do not resolve the root cause that causes anxiety.
Meditation, exercise yoga, and meditation are all natural ways to decrease anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to confront your irrational fears and anxiety.
Antidepressants
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from anxiety because they help the brain control mood. However, they can take four to six weeks or more to get started. If someone isn't feeling better after the period, they should talk with their doctor about changing medications.
Newer antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and nefazodone, are also effective in treating anxiety. They can work faster than older medications like venlafaxine XR. It is important to be aware that these drugs can cause severe reactions in certain people. If they have this reaction you should seek immediate medical attention or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222 for a chat with an experienced nurse (known as NURSE-ON CALL in Victoria).
MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that breakdown chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This causes levels of these chemicals, which can have a an impact positive on mood, to rise. MAOIs are generally reserved for those who do not respond to other antidepressants, however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst most effective antidepressants that treat anxiety. These drugs treat mental and anxiety disorders in a similar way to SSRIs however, with fewer negative side effects. These medications are effective at small doses, but their effectiveness increases with the increase in dosage. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic 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 is a mild tranquilizer that does not have the same side-effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't hinder the ability to concentrate and memory. It increases serotonin in the brain and reducing dopamine. About 70% of those who take the drug find it effective. As the medication is taken for longer, the effects to diminish. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be utilized alongside these medications to increase the effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic medicine that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken orally typically twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however it does have potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way it operates, but they believe that buspirone can reduce the amount and action of a chemical called serotonin in certain parts of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to stress and anxiety.
Buspirone is generally considered safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It is generally considered to be less harmful and has a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Like other drugs, it may cause adverse reactions. The most common ones are nausea and dizziness. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements and ingredients you're taking before starting buspirone, because it may interact with them.
If you're older than 65, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of buspirone. 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.
Tell your doctor if any of these drugs are taking by you. This includes isocarboxazid selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, which can lead to serious side adverse effects.
You should also let your doctor know if suffer from kidney illness, stomach issues or are pregnant or breastfeeding. In these cases, certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be suitable for you.
Your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment in the event that buspirone isn't working or in the event that you are unable to take it due to a medical condition, or due to an interaction with another drug. This could be a new kind of antidepressant, such as Lexapro or Prozac or a beta blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine drug, such as Xanax. The PIL will provide more details about the best way to make use of the drug as well as possible adverse effects.
Other Medications
There are other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a possible option. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about anxiety and teach you coping strategies to help reduce anxiety. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining an workout routine, and avoiding drinking and using drugs. Some people experience relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medications. If you've tried these alternatives and they don't help consult your physician.
Medications used as an anxiety treatment usually fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, or lorazepam, boost the activity of GABA in your brain, promoting calmness. They can provide quick relief, however they can be addictive if they are used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work, but they stabilize the levels in your brain of certain neurotransmitters, chemicals that affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants that treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood or make you feel less anxiety. Another class of antidepressants is serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors known as SNRIs, block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are an additional class of antidepressants that is often prescribed by people who do not respond to SSRIs to combat anxiety.
There are many other medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They include azapirones, beta- and Alpha-blockers Antihistamines, for instance Clonidine, hydroxyzine and. These medicines have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't be the only treatment you use. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying reason for your anxiety, such as food insecurity, debt, or an unhealthy relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) biofeedback (which helps you to regulate your brain's activity by using a device to monitor them) and mindfulness meditation.