Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can aid those suffering from anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to treat anxiety.
Antidepressants can also treat anxiety. SSRIs such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are effective in preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical that affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are powerful medications to treat anxiety. They work quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry serious risks to your safety if you use them for prolonged periods. They should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. They can be useful as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos are often employed in conjunction with other medications such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety disorders.
Benzos can be extremely effective in managing anxiety for a short time, and they aid in sleeping well. However they are also dangerous when used in excess, and are not suitable for use with some other medications. When combined with sedatives such as alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of an overdose and even death. They can also interfere negatively with certain antidepressants, causing severe withdrawal symptoms.
When prescribed by your doctor When prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines can be very effective and safe in treating anxiety disorders. Many doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they can lead to addiction and have adverse side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and those who develop dependence are usually unable to quit using them without experiencing serious side effects, such as seizures and depression. The main thing to remember about long-term use of benzos is to use them only for patients who may benefit from them; utilize them in clinical situations that are likely to ameliorate anxiety symptoms; avoid prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; minimize the possibility of abuse, especially by children; and combine them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medication like benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety. treatment for anxiety do this by blocking certain nerves signals and stopping their transmission to the brain. These medications can make you sleepy and less anxious, but they do not resolve the root cause that causes you to worry.
Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural methods to decrease anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You learn to conquer the irrational fears and anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a great option for people suffering from anxiety since they work on the brain to control mood. However, they may take between four and six weeks or more to start working. If the patient does not feel better after this period it is recommended to speak with their doctor about changing medication.
Antidepressants like mirtazapine and Nefazodone are effective in treating anxiety. They may work faster in comparison to older drugs such as venlafaxine or XR. However, it's important to note that these medications can cause severe reactions in some individuals. If you have this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and talk to a registered nurse.
MAOIs are an additional type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that degrade brain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to rise which has a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients that don't respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are among the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. They help with mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar as SSRIs but with less adverse effects. These medications are effective at low doses, however their effectiveness increases with increasing dosage. Tricyclics are effective in treating panic, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, they might not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, an antidepressant that is newer, is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but does not cause the same side-effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect the ability to concentrate and memory. It increases serotonin in the brain and decreasing dopamine. Up to 70% of those who try the drug will find it to be effective. The adverse effects are likely to diminish as the medication is taken for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be utilized in conjunction with these drugs to increase the effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally generally twice daily. It is not a controlled drug however there is a potential for abuse.
Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone works, but believe that it reduces the amount of serotonin as well as its actions in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous systems less sensitive to anxiety and stress.
In general, doctors believe that buspirone is to be a safe medication for the majority of people. It is generally believed as having a lower degree of toxicity and a smaller risk for addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. However, as with other medications, it can cause adverse reactions. Most common are nausea and dizziness. Buspirone can interact with other medications, supplements, and ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these before starting the medication.
Your doctor might prescribe an inverse dose if you are over 65. This is because people who are older tend to react differently to drugs than younger individuals. This is especially true of drugs that affect your nervous system.
It's also essential to inform your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) or Phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the levels of these drugs.
You should also let your doctor know if you suffer from kidney disease, liver illness, stomach issues, or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Some medicines, such as SSRIs are not suitable for you under these circumstances.
Your doctor could suggest a different treatment option if buspirone doesn't work or when you are unable take it due to a medical condition, or due to an interaction with another drug. It could be a brand new type of antidepressant, such as Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker like propranolol or a benzodiazepine like Xanax. The PIL for each drug will contain additional information on how to take it as well as possible side effects.
Other Medicines
There are many other treatments available to help ease anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a possible option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope with anxiety and change your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation skills, maintaining a regular workout routine, and avoiding alcohol and other drugs. Some people find relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medicines. If you try these options and they aren't working talk to your doctor.
Antidepressants andbenzodiazepines are the two main categories of medications used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines like Ativan, or lorazepam, increase the activity of GABA in your brain, which increases calmness. They can help you feel better quickly but they also be addictive if they are used over a long period of time. Antidepressants are slower to work but they help stabilize the levels in your brain of specific neurotransmitters. These chemicals influence your mood.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most well-known type of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain, which may improve your mood and make you feel less anxious. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, prevent the reabsorption process of both serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, can be used to treat anxiety in those who aren't responding to SSRIs.
There are numerous other medications that can be used to combat anxiety. These include azapirones, beta- and alpha-blockers and antihistamines such as Clonidine and hydroxyzine. The majority of these have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective anxiety treatment however, it shouldn't be your sole treatment you employ. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-medicative treatments could be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) biofeedback (which will teach you how to control your brain waves with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.