Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication may help those suffering from anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants can also be used to combat anxiety. SSRIs such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by blocking nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are powerful drugs to treat anxiety. They are effective and quick. However, they also are physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used for long durations. They should only be used 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 are often utilized together with other medications like antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of an overall anxiety disorder treatment plan.
Benzos can be very effective in managing anxiety for a short time, and they help you sleep well. However they are also dangerous when used in excess, and are not suitable to be used in conjunction with other drugs. When combined with sedatives like alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines may increase the risk of a fatal overdose and death. They also can interact negatively with antidepressants, causing severe withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines can be safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. Many doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they can lead to addiction and adverse side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who develop dependence are often unable quit using them without experiencing severe side effects such as seizures and depression. The key to long-term benzo use is: prescribing them only to patients who may benefit from their use, and making use of them in settings that are likely improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding prolonged withdrawal or abrupt discontinuation and reducing the risk of abuse and using them in conjunction with effective psychological intervention.
Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines, can help reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing them from being released in the brain. These drugs can make you sleepy and less anxious but they will not resolve the root cause that is making you worry.
There are many natural ways to reduce anxiety, like meditation, exercise and yoga. Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, in which you learn to overcome irrational fears or anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a great option for anxiety because they work on the brain to control mood. It could take up four weeks for them to start working. If a person doesn't feel better after this time, they should speak to their doctor about changing medication.
The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may work faster than older medications such as venlafaxine XR. However it's important to keep in mind that these drugs can trigger a severe reaction in some people. If you experience this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and speak to a registered nurse.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemicals in the brain to noradrenaline, among others. This causes the levels of these chemicals to rise and have a positive impact on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients that do not respond well to other antidepressants. However they can be extremely effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst most effective antidepressants that treat anxiety. They help with mental and anxiety disorders in a similar way to SSRIs however, with fewer adverse effects. These medications start at a lower dose and their effectiveness increases as the dose is increased. Tricyclics are effective for treating anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, however they are less likely to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, a newer antidepressant, is also used to treat anxiety. natural anxiety treatments acts as an a mild tranquilizer, however it doesn't cause the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't impair memory and coordination. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain and decreasing dopamine levels. As high as 70% of those who try the drug will find it effective. The side effects tend to decrease as the medication is taken for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be used alongside these medications to increase the effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually every day, twice. It's not a regulated drug, but there is a potential for abuse.
Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone works, but they believe that it reduces the levels of serotonin as well as its actions in specific areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less susceptible to anxiety and stress.
In general, doctors believe that buspirone is as a drug that is safe for most people. It is generally considered to be less harmful and have a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Like other medicines, it may cause adverse reactions. Most commonly, they are dizziness and nausea. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications, supplements and ingredients you're taking prior to starting buspirone since it can interact with them.
If you're older than 65, your doctor could prescribe a lower dose of buspirone. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger ones. This is particularly true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
Tell your doctor whether any of these medications are taking by you. These include isocarboxazid linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the levels of these drugs.
Inform your doctor if you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease stomach issues, are nursing or pregnant. In these circumstances, some medicines, like SSRIs may not be appropriate for you.
Your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment when buspirone fails to work or in the event that you are unable to take it due to a medical condition, or because of an interaction with another drug. This could be a new kind of antidepressant like Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine like Xanax. The PIL for each drug will provide more details on how to take it and possible adverse reactions.
Other Medications
There are many other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one option. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about anxiety and help you develop strategies to reduce anxiety. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining an exercise routine, and abstaining from drinking and using drugs. Some people find relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medicines. If none of these options work, talk to your doctor.
Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are two main types of drugs used to combat anxiety. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan or lorazepam enhance the activity of GABA in your brain, which promotes peace. They can help you feel better quickly but they also become addictive if used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to kick in but they balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most commonly used antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount 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 stops the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine from your brain. This boosts the levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in those who aren't responsive to SSRIs.
There are a myriad of other medicines that are frequently used to treat anxiety, such as azapirones (such as buspirone), alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and clonidine. These medications have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't necessarily be used. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying cause for your anxiety like debt, poor diet or an unhealthy relationship. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, or biofeedback, which allows you to manage your own brain waves with a monitoring device and mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation that focuses on the present moment.