Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication may 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 treat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by blocking brain nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications that are effective in treating anxiety, and they work very quickly. However, they also can be physically addictive and pose serious risks to safety when used for long periods of time. They should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. They are useful as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos are usually utilized in conjunction with other medications such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of a comprehensive anxiety disorder treatment plan.
Benzos are very effective at short-term anxiety treatment and can aid in getting the best night's sleep. However they can be harmful when abused, and they are not suitable for use in conjunction with other drugs. When combined with sedatives like alcohol or pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of an overdose and death. They also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe for treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious about using them due to the fact that they can be addictive and cause negative side effects like memory loss. In the long run, they can trigger a severe withdrawal reaction, and people who become dependent on them are often incapable of stopping their use without experiencing serious symptoms such as depression and seizures. The main thing to remember about long-term use of benzos is to use them only for patients who could benefit from them; use them in situations in which they are likely to improve anxiety symptoms; avoid prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; reduce the chance of abuse, particularly by children; and combine them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines are a great way to ease anxiety. They accomplish 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 underlying problem that's making you worry (like increasing bills or a strained relationship).
Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural ways to lessen anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment. You can learn to overcome anxiety and worries that are not rational.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a viable option for anxiety because they work on the brain to regulate mood. However, they may take anywhere from four to six weeks or more to get started. If a person doesn't feel better after this period it is recommended to speak with their doctor about changing medication.
Antidepressants such as mirtazapine or Nefazodone are effective in treating anxiety. They may work faster than older drugs such as venlafaxine or XR. However, it's important to note that these medications can cause severe reactions in some individuals. If they experience this reaction you should seek immediate medical attention or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON CALL in Victoria).
MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant which can be used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemical in the brain, including noradrenaline. This causes the levels of these chemicals to rise and have a positive impact on mood. MAOIs tend to be reserved for those who do not respond well to other antidepressants. However they can be extremely effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. They treat anxiety and mental disorders in a similar manner as SSRIs but with less negative side effects. They are effective in low doses, but their effectiveness increases with increasing dosage. Tricyclics are effective in treating panic, anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, they may not be as effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder.
A newer antidepressant, buspirone is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but does not cause the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't hinder memory and coordination. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain, and decreasing dopamine. About 70% of people who try the drug will find it to be effective. The adverse effects are likely to decrease as the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, can be incorporated with these medications to improve their effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic medication that's used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken orally generally twice daily. It is not a controlled drug however, there is a chance of abuse.
Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone works, but believe that it decreases the amount of serotonin and its actions in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous system less sensitive to stress and anxiety.
anxiety treatments medication is generally considered safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It's generally regarded to have a lower level of toxicity, and a lesser risk of addiction than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. However, just like other drugs, it can cause side effects. The most common ones are nausea and dizziness. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements and ingredients you're taking prior to starting buspirone because it could interact with them.
If you are older than 65, your doctor may give you a lower dose of buspirone. This is due to the fact that older people tend to react differently to drugs than younger individuals. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
It's also important to tell your doctor if you are taking an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious side effects due to increasing the concentrations of these drugs.
Tell your doctor to consult your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems stomach problems, breastfeeding or pregnant. Certain medicines, like SSRIs are not appropriate for you in these situations.
If buspirone doesn't work or you're unable to use it due to an illness or interaction with other medications or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative treatment for anxiety. This could be a new kind of antidepressant, such as Lexapro or Prozac; beta blockers such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine drug, like Xanax. The PIL will provide more information about how to use the drug and possible adverse effects.
Other Medications
There are other options that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a possible option. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about anxiety and teach you coping strategies to manage anxiety. Other options include learning relaxation skills as well as maintaining a regular exercise routine, and avoiding alcohol and other drugs. Some people find relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medications. If these alternatives don't work, consult your doctor.
Medications used as an anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, like Ativan (lorazepam), enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA which is found in your brain to promote tranquility. They can bring relief quickly but they 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, chemicals that affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants for anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, the chemical messenger in your brain, which may improve your mood and help you feel less anxious. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that stops the reabsorption both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine out of your brain. This increases levels of these chemicals in your body, which makes 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 responsive to SSRIs.
There are a number other medicines that can be used to treat anxiety. These include azapirones, beta- and alpha-blockers and antihistamines such as Clonidine, hydroxyzine and. These medications have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't always be employed. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying cause of your anxiety, such as food insecurity, debt, or an unhealthy relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which helps you to control your brain waves with a monitor), and mindfulness meditation.