Anxiety Treatment Medications
People suffering from anxiety disorders typically get better by undergoing psychotherapy and taking medication. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants can also help with anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram help by stopping nerve cells in the mind from absorbing serotonin. This chemical affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are potent medications for treating anxiety. They work quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry significant safety risks when used for prolonged periods. This is why they should always be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a medical professional. They can be used as an "as needed" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos can be utilized in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medications to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective for short-term anxiety treatments and can assist you in getting a good night's sleep. They can be hazardous when misused and are not recommended to be used alongside other drugs. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives, such as alcohol and opioid pain medications, the risk of death or overdose is increased. They may also interact with antidepressants, causing severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
When prescribed by your doctor If prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe when treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious when it comes to taking them because they can be addictive and have adverse side effects such as memory loss. Long-term use can trigger a severe withdrawal reaction and those who become dependent on them are often unable to stop taking them without experiencing severe symptoms like depression and seizures. The most important aspect to long-term benzo use is to prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from their use, making use of them in settings that are likely to improve anxiety symptoms, and avoiding prolonged use or abrupt withdrawal and minimizing the risk of abuse and combing them with a psychological treatment.
Anxiety medication like benzodiazepines are a great way to alleviate anxiety. They accomplish this by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping their firing in the brain. These drugs may aid in sleeping and feeling less anxious, but they do not solve the underlying issue that is making you worry.
Exercise, meditation yoga, and meditation are all natural ways to decrease anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to challenge irrational fears and anxiety.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a viable alternative for those suffering from anxiety as they work on the brain to regulate mood. It could take up to four weeks for them to begin working. If the person does not feel better after this time you should talk to their doctor about changing medication.
Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may be more effective than older drugs, such as venlafaxine and XR. However, it's important to note that these medications can cause an extreme reaction in certain people. If someone experiences this reaction, they should seek emergency medical attention or contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL Victoria).
Monoamine Oxase Inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are another kind of antidepressant that can be used for anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that break down brain chemicals, including noradrenaline and dopamine. This allows levels of these chemicals, which can have a an impact positive on mood, to rise. MAOIs are generally reserved for those who are not improving on other antidepressants, however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst the most effective antidepressants for treating anxiety. These drugs help with mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar as SSRIs but with less side-effects. These medicines are effective at low doses, but their effectiveness increases with the increase in dosage. Tricyclics may be effective for treating anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, however, they are not likely to aid in treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, an antidepressant that is newer, is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer that does not have the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't impair memory and coordination. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain and reducing dopamine. About 70% of people who try the drug find it effective. The adverse effects are likely to decrease as the medication is used for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be utilized alongside these medications to improve the effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic medicine used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, typically twice daily. It's not a controlled substance however it does have the potential to be abused.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how it is working, but they believe that buspirone reduces the quantity and activities of a chemical known as serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less sensitive to stress and anxiety.
Buspirone is generally regarded as safe by doctors for the majority of people. It's generally thought as having a lower degree of toxicity and a smaller risk of addiction than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. However, as with other medications there are adverse reactions. The most common ones are nausea and dizziness. Buspirone may interact with other supplements, medications, and ingredients. Inform anxiety treatments medication if taking any of these before starting the medication.
Your doctor may recommend an inverse dose if you are over 65. This is because people who are older tend to react differently to drugs than younger people. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
It's also important to tell your doctor if you're taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, which can lead to serious side negative effects.
It is also important to let your doctor know that you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease or stomach problems or if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. In these cases, certain medicines, such as SSRIs might not be appropriate for you.
Your doctor could prescribe an alternative treatment in the event that buspirone isn't working or when you are unable take it due to a medical condition or because of an interaction with a different drug. It could be a new type of antidepressant such as Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker like propranolol or a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PIL will give more details about the best way to take the drug and any possible side effects.
Other Medicines
In addition to medications, there are other options to help reduce anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a possible option. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to manage anxiety and change your ways of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, having a regular workout routine, and avoiding drinking and using drugs. Some people get relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medicines. If you try these alternatives and they don't help, talk to your doctor.
The medications used for anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, or lorazepam, boost the activity of GABA in your brain, promoting tranquility. They can provide relief quickly however they can become addictive when used long-term. Antidepressants take longer to kick in but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, called neurotransmitters, which affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most popular antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can improve your mood or make you feel less anxiety. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors known as SNRIs, block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals, making you feel more energetic. A third antidepressant class called monoamine oxidase inhibitors also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in people who aren't responding to SSRIs.
There are numerous other medications that can be used to treat anxiety. These include azapirones, alpha- and Beta-blockers, Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, and Clonidine. The majority of these have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't necessarily be employed. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying cause for your anxiety, such as debt, poor diet or a bad relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which helps you to regulate your brain's activity with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.