Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can help people suffering from anxiety disorders. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants can also help with anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by preventing brain nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are powerful medications for treating anxiety. They are effective and quick. They are also physically addictive and carry significant safety risks when used for a long time. They should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. They can be used as an "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos can be used in combination with psychotherapy, antidepressants and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzos can be extremely effective in treating anxiety for a brief period of time, and also help you sleep better. They can be hazardous if abused and are not recommended to be used alongside other drugs. When combined with sedatives such as alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines may increase the risk of an overdose and death. They can also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
When prescribed by a doctor When prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious when it comes to taking them because they can be addictive and cause negative side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use of these drugs can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who develop dependence are usually unable to quit using them without experiencing severe side effects like seizures and depression. The most important aspect to long-term benzo use is to prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from their use, and using them in clinical settings that are likely improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding long-term use or abrupt withdrawal and minimizing the chance of abuse, and combing them with a psychological treatment.
Anxiety medications like benzodiazepines are a great way to ease anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerves signals and preventing their firing in the brain. These medications can assist you in sleeping better and feel less anxious, but they won't solve the root cause of what makes you worry (like the rising cost of costs or a relationship that isn't working).
There are some natural ways to reduce anxiety, like meditation, exercise and yoga. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You can learn to overcome irrational worries and fears.
Antidepressants
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a good choice for people suffering from anxiety, as they work with the brain to regulate mood. It could take up to four weeks for them to begin working. If one isn't feeling better after the period it is recommended to talk to their physician about changing medications.
Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may work faster in comparison to older drugs like venlafaxine or XR. However it is important to remember that these medications can cause a severe reaction in some people. If they have this reaction it is recommended that they seek urgent medical attention or contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to an experienced nurse (known as NURSE-ON CALL in Victoria).
MAOIs are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block the actions of enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain, including noradrenaline and dopamine. This allows the levels these chemicals to increase, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs tend to be reserved for patients who do not respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. These medications treat anxiety and mental disorders in a similar way to SSRIs however, with fewer adverse effects. These medicines are effective at low doses, however their effectiveness increases as you increase the dosage. 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, an antidepressant that is newer, is also used for anxiety. It acts as a mild tranquilizer, but it doesn't cause the same side effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't impair the ability to concentrate and memory. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain and decreasing dopamine. As high as 70% of those who try the drug find it effective. The side effects tend to decrease when the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, such as exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, can be combined with these medications to improve their effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug that's used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however, it has potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way it works, but they think that buspirone decreases the amount and actions of a chemical known as serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less susceptible to anxiety and stress.
In general, doctors consider buspirone as a drug that is safe for most people. It's generally regarded to have a lower level of toxicity and a lower risk for addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. However, as with other medications they can trigger adverse reactions. The most common side effects are nausea and dizziness. It's important to tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and other ingredients you are taking prior to starting buspirone since it can interact with them.
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 differently to drugs than younger ones. This is particularly true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
Inform your doctor if any of these drugs are taken by you. This includes isocarboxazid selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the concentrations of these drugs.
You should also let your doctor know if suffer from kidney disease, liver problems or stomach disorders or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Certain medications, like SSRIs, may not be suitable for you in these situations.
If buspirone isn't working, or you can't take it due to an illness or interaction with another medication Your doctor may prescribe an alternative method of treatment for your anxiety. It could be a new kind of antidepressant like Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker such as propranolol, or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL for each drug will provide more details on how to take it and possible adverse effects.
Other Medications
There are other options that can help reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a possibility. Psychotherapy can teach you how to manage anxiety and change your ways of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, having a regular workout routine, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Herbal medicines can be helpful for people with anxiety symptoms. If these alternatives don't work, talk to your doctor.
Medications used as an anxiety treatment typically fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, or lorazepam, increase the activity of GABA in your brain, promoting calmness. They can help you feel better quickly however they can become addictive when used long-term. Antidepressants take longer to work but they help regulate the levels in your brain of specific neurotransmitters, chemicals that affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most popular antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They boost the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain, which can boost your mood and make you feel less stressed. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are a different antidepressant that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine from the brain. This raises levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energetic. A third class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in people who aren't responsive to SSRIs.
There are natural anxiety treatments of other medications frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone), alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and Clonidine. The majority of these have lower success rates than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't necessarily be employed. Alternative treatments are more effective if there is an underlying cause of your anxiety like eating disorders, debt or a relationship that is unhealthy. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which will teach you how to manage your brain's waves with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.