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 be used to alleviate anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram and fluoxetine are effective in preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin. This chemical affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry serious safety risks if used for a long time. They should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional. They can be used as a "as-needed" treatment for panic episodes and other anxiety disorders that are severe. Benzos can be used in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective in treating anxiety for a brief period of time, and also help you sleep well. However, they can be dangerous when misused, and they are not suitable for use with some other medications. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives like alcohol and opioid pain medications, the risk of death or overdose rises. They can also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines are safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. A lot of doctors are cautious when prescribing them due to the fact that they can trigger addiction and adverse side effects, including memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who become dependent are usually unable to stop taking them without experiencing severe side effects like depression and seizures. The most important thing to remember when using benzos for long-term use is to prescribe them only for patients who could benefit from them, and use them in situations in which they are likely to alleviate anxiety symptoms; stay away from prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; minimize the risk of abuse, particularly among children; and pair them with effective psychological treatments.
Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines can help ease anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from firing in the brain. These drugs can aid in sleeping and feeling less anxious, but they will not solve the underlying issue that is making you worry.
Meditation, exercise, and yoga are all natural ways to decrease anxiety. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which you learn to overcome irrational fears or worries.
Antidepressants
SSRIs which are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a great choice for anxiety, because they work with the brain to manage mood. It could take up to four weeks before they begin working. If a person does not feel better during the time frame, they should talk to their doctor about changing their medication.
Antidepressants such as mirtazapine or nefazodone are also effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective when compared to older drugs such as venlafaxine and XR. However, it's important to note that these medications can cause an extreme reaction in certain people. If they experience this reaction you should seek immediate medical attention or contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to an experienced nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are a different kind of antidepressant used for anxiety. They block the actions of enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to increase which has a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients that are not able to respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are among the most effective antidepressants for treating anxiety. They treat mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar as SSRIs however, with fewer negative side effects. These medications start at a low dose, and their effectiveness improves as the 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 to combat anxiety. It functions as a mild tranquilizer but it doesn't cause the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't impair memory or coordination. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain and reducing dopamine. Up to 70% of those who take the drug find it effective. As the medication is taken longer, side effects tend decrease. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be used alongside these medications to increase the effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, typically twice daily. natural anxiety treatments 's not a controlled drug however, it has the potential to be abused.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how buspirone works, but they believe that it reduces the amount of serotonin and its effects in certain regions 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 to have a lower level of toxicity and a smaller chance of becoming addicted than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Like other medications they can cause side effects. The most common side effects are dizziness and nausea. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements and ingredients you are taking before starting buspirone, because it may interact with them.
Your doctor might prescribe the dose you need to take if are over 65. This is because people who are older tend to react differently to drugs than younger individuals. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
It's also important to inform your doctor if taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious adverse side effects by increasing the concentrations of these drugs.
Tell your doctor if you suffer from liver disease, kidney problems stomach issues, are nursing or pregnant. Certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be suitable for you under these circumstances.
Your doctor may suggest a different treatment option in the event that buspirone isn't working or when you are unable take it due to a medical condition or because of an interaction with another medication. This could be a new kind of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac or beta blockers such as propranolol; or a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PIL will provide more information on how to take the drug and any possible side effects.
Other Medical Treatments
In addition to medications there are other treatments that can help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is one of the options. Psychotherapy can help you change the way you think about your anxiety and help you develop strategies to manage anxiety. Other options include acquiring relaxation techniques as well as maintaining a regular exercise routine, and abstaining from using alcohol and drugs. Herbal remedies can aid some sufferers with anxiety-related symptoms. If you've tried these alternatives and they aren't working consult your physician.
The medications used for anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan (lorazepam) are able to increase the function of gamma-aminobutyric acids, or GABA in your brain to help promote calmness. They can provide relief quickly, but they can also become addictive when used long-term. Antidepressants require longer time to work but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, known as neurotransmitters, that influence your mood.
SSRIs are the most popular antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Another class of antidepressants is serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, stop the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine into your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals and making you feel more energized. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a third antidepressant group that is often used by people who do not respond to SSRIs to treat anxiety.
There are a myriad of other medications frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone), alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and Clonidine. Most of these have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't necessarily be employed. If you have an underlying cause for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-medicative treatments could be more effective. Other options include cognitive-behavioral therapy, also known as CBT; biofeedback, which teaches you to manage your brain waves using a monitoring device and mindfulness meditation, which is a type of meditation that focuses on the present moment.