Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can aid people with anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants can also treat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram and fluoxetine are effective in preventing nerve cells in the mind from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical influences mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs which treat anxiety well and can be used quickly. They can also be physically addictive and carry serious safety risks if used for prolonged periods. Because of this, they should be prescribed and administered under the guidance of a physician. They are useful as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos are often used in conjunction with other medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive anxiety disorder treatment plan.
Benzos are extremely effective for short-term anxiety treatment, and they can assist you in getting the best night's sleep. However they are also dangerous when used in excess, and are not suitable for use in conjunction with other drugs. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives such as alcohol and opioid pain medication, the risk of death or overdose is increased. They can also interact with some 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 about taking them because they can be addictive and have negative side effects like memory loss. The long-term use of these medications can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who become dependent are often unable stop taking them without experiencing severe side effects such as depression and seizures. The key to long-term benzo use is: prescribing them only to those who might benefit from their use, and making use of them in settings that will likely help improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding long-term use or abrupt withdrawal and minimizing the risk of abuse and combining them with effective psychological intervention.
Anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines, can help ease anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from firing in the brain. These drugs can aid in sleeping better and feel less anxious but they can't fix the underlying problem that's making you worry (like mounting bills or a strained relationship).
There are many natural ways to lessen anxiety such as meditation, exercise and yoga. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to overcome irrational fears or anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a good choice for those suffering from anxiety because they assist the brain to control mood. However, they can take four to six weeks or more to begin working. If one isn't feeling better after the time frame they should speak to their doctor about changing medications.
Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine and nefazodone, can also be beneficial in treating anxiety. They can be more effective than older medications such as venlafaxine and XR. However it's important to keep in mind that these medications can cause an extreme reaction in certain people. If you encounter this reaction, contact healthdirect on 1800 022222 to talk to an experienced nurse.
MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that breakdown chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This causes levels of these chemicals, which can have a a positive impact on mood, to increase. MAOIs are usually reserved for patients who are not improving on other antidepressants, but they can be effective in treating anxiety.
Among the most effective antidepressants for anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs treat anxiety and mental disorders in a similar way to SSRIs however, with fewer adverse effects. They begin with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as dosage increases. Tricyclics are effective in treating panic, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, they may not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, a newer antidepressant is also used for anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer that doesn't have the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't hinder memory or coordination. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, and decreasing dopamine levels. The drug can be effective for up to 70 per cent of people who take it. The side effects tend to decrease when the medication is taken for longer durations. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, is a good option to combine with these medications to enhance their effects.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken by mouth typically twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however, it has the potential to be abused.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way it operates, but they believe that buspirone decreases the amount and actions of a chemical known as serotonin in certain parts of the brain. This makes the nervous systems less susceptible to anxiety and stress.
In general, doctors believe that buspirone is a safe drug for most people. It is generally thought to be less toxic and has a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines as well as barbiturates. Like other medications there are some adverse reactions. Most commonly, they are dizziness and nausea. Buspirone may interact with other medicines, supplements, and ingredients. Tell your doctor if taking any of these prior to beginning the medication.
Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose if you are over 65. This is because older people tend to respond to drugs differently than younger individuals do. This is especially true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
Tell anxiety treatment therapy if any of these medicines are taken by you. This includes isocarboxazid selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the dosage of these drugs.
You should also inform your doctor know if you have liver disease, kidney illness, stomach issues, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be appropriate for you in these circumstances.
If buspirone isn't effective, or you can't take it because of an illness or interaction with a different medication or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative treatment for your anxiety. It could be a brand new kind of antidepressant like Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker such as propranolol, or a benzodiazepine like Xanax. The PIL for each drug will contain additional information on how to take it as well as possible adverse effects.
Other Medical Treatments
In addition to medications, there are other treatments that can help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one option. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping to manage it. Other options include learning relaxation skills, maintaining a regular workout routine, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Some people find relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medications. If these alternatives don't work, consult your doctor.
Medicines used as an anxiety treatment typically fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan, or lorazepam, boost the activity of GABA in your brain, which increases peace. They offer quick relief, but can become addictive if they are used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work however they can balance the levels in your brain of certain neurotransmitters. These chemicals influence your mood.
SSRIs are the most popular antidepressants for anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can improve your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors known as SNRIs, block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine into your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are an additional class of antidepressants that is often prescribed by those who do not respond to SSRIs to treat anxiety.
There are a myriad of other medications that are often used to treat anxiety, such as azapirones (such as buspirone) beta- and alpha-blockers antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and Clonidine. These medicines have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
Although medication is a very effective anxiety treatment, it shouldn't be the sole treatment you employ. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety such as debt, a poor diet, or a problematic relationship, non-medicative treatments could be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which helps you to manage your brain's waves with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.