Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can help those suffering from anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to combat anxiety.
Antidepressants can also help with anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by preventing neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical that affects mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medicines that treat anxiety very well and work quickly. However, they can be physically addictive and they pose serious risks to safety when used for long periods of time. They should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. They can be used as an "as-needed" treatment for panic episodes and other anxiety-related episodes that are severe. Benzos are typically employed in conjunction with other medicines like antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of a comprehensive anxiety disorder treatment plan.
Benzos are very effective at short-term anxiety treatment s and can aid in getting a good night's sleep. However, they can be dangerous when used in excess, and are not recommended for use with some other medications. When mixed with sedative substances like alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of overdose and death. They can also interact with some antidepressants, causing severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. A lot of doctors are cautious when prescribing them as they can trigger dependence and negative side effects, like memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who develop dependence are usually unable to stop taking them without experiencing serious side effects, such as depression and seizures. The key to long term benzo use is to prescribe them only to those who might benefit from their use, and using them in clinical settings that will likely help improve anxiety symptoms, and avoiding prolonged use or abrupt withdrawal and reducing the risk of abuse and combining them with effective psychological interventions.
Anxiety medications like benzodiazepines can help ease anxiety. They accomplish this by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing their firing in the brain. These drugs can assist you in sleeping more comfortably and feel less stressed however they aren't going to solve the root issue that's causing you anxious (like increasing bills or an unhealthy relationship).
Meditation, exercise yoga, and meditation are all natural methods to lessen anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, where you learn to challenge irrational fears and worries.
Antidepressants
SSRIs which are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a good option for people suffering from anxiety, as they assist the brain to control mood. However, they can take four to six weeks or more to get started. If someone does not feel better during that time it is recommended to talk to their doctor about changing their medications.
Antidepressants such as mirtazapine or nefazodone are also effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective when than older medications such as venlafaxine or XR. It's important to remember that these medications can trigger severe reactions in some individuals. If you experience this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and speak to an experienced nurse.
MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant which can be used to treat anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that break down brain chemicals, including noradrenaline and dopamine. This allows the levels these chemicals to increase, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients who are not able to respond well to other antidepressants. However they can be extremely effective in treating anxiety.
Among the most effective antidepressants for anxiety are tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, however they are less prone to side negative effects. These medications are effective at small doses, but 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, a newer antidepressant is also used for anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer, but it doesn't cause the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It does not affect coordination or memory. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain and reducing dopamine. About 70% of those who take the drug find it effective. The risk of side effects tends to decrease as the medication is taken for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be used alongside these medications to improve the effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally typically twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however, it has the potential to be abused.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how it is working, but they believe that buspirone can reduce the amount and actions of a chemical referred to as serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less sensitive to stress and anxiety.
Buspirone 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 lower risk for addiction than barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Like other medications they can cause adverse reactions. The most frequent ones are dizziness and nausea. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements and other ingredients you are taking prior to starting buspirone since it can interact with them.
Your doctor may recommend the dose you need to take if are over 65. 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.
Inform your doctor whether any of these medications are taking by you. These include isocarboxazid, selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, leading to serious side adverse effects.
Tell your doctor to consult your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems, are breastfeeding or pregnant. In these situations, certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be suitable for you.
If buspirone isn't effective or you're unable to use it due to an illness or interaction with another medication or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative form of treatment for your anxiety. This could be a different kind of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac; beta blockers like propranolol, or a benzodiazepine drug, such as Xanax. The PIL will provide more information about the best way to make use of the drug as well as possible adverse reactions.
Other Medications
In addition to medication, there are other methods 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 acquiring relaxation techniques and maintaining a regular workout routine, and staying away from alcohol and drugs. Herbal remedies can aid some people suffering from anxiety symptoms. If these alternatives don't work, speak to your doctor.
The medications used for anxiety treatment typically fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam) are able to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA which is found in your brain to promote calmness. They provide rapid relief but they can also become addictive if they are used for a long time. Antidepressants require longer time to work but they can 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 increase the amount of serotonin, a chemical signalling agent in your brain. This can boost your mood and make you feel less anxiety. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, prevent the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine into your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to 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 variety of other medications frequently used to treat anxiety, including azapirones (such as buspirone) alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and Clonidine. These medicines have a lower chance of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't necessarily be used. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-drug treatments may be more effective. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy, also known as biofeedback, which helps you to manage your own brain waves by using a monitor device and mindfulness meditation, a form of meditation that focuses on the present moment.