Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can help those suffering from anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to combat anxiety.
Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and citalopram help by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical influences mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. However, they can be physically addictive, and they pose significant safety risks when used over long durations. For this reason, they should be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a doctor. They can be used as a "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks and other anxiety disorders that are severe. Benzos are usually used in conjunction with other medicines such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective in short-term anxiety relief, and they can help you get a good night's sleep. They can be harmful if abused and are not recommended to be used alongside other drugs. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives, such as alcohol and opioid pain medication the risk of dying or overdose increases. They can also 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 as they can cause dependence and negative side effects, including memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and those who become dependent are often unable quit using them without experiencing serious side effects, such as depression and seizures. The most important thing to remember when using benzos for long-term use is to: prescribe them only for patients who may benefit from them, and use them in situations where they could ameliorate anxiety symptoms; avoid long-term use or abrupt discontinuation; reduce the chance of abuse, especially by children; and pair them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines are a great way to alleviate anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping their brains from firing. These medications can assist you in sleeping better and feel less anxious but they can't fix the root issue that's causing you feel anxious (like the rising cost of bills or an unhealthy relationship).
There are many natural ways to reduce anxiety, such as meditation, exercise and yoga. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment. You learn to overcome the irrational fears and anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a good option for people suffering from anxiety, as they help the brain control mood. It can take up to four weeks before they begin working. If a person doesn't feel better after this time you should talk to their doctor about changing medication.
The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine and nefazodone, are also effective in treating anxiety. They can be more effective in comparison to older drugs such as venlafaxine and XR. However it's important to keep in mind that these medications can cause an extreme reaction in certain individuals. If they experience this reaction you should seek immediate medical attention or contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 for a chat with a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL Victoria).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are another kind of antidepressant that can be used for anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that degrade chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows the levels these chemicals to increase, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs tend to be reserved for those who do not respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst most effective antidepressants for treating anxiety. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, but they have fewer adverse negative effects. These medicines start with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as the dose is increased. Tricyclics may be effective for treating panic disorder, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, but they are less likely to help with generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, a newer antidepressant is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer that does not have the same side-effects as benzodiazepines. It does not affect coordination or memory. It is a way of increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. The drug can be effective for up to 70 per cent of those who try it. The side effects tend to diminish as the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, can be incorporated with these medications to improve their effects.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, generally every day, twice. It is not a controlled drug however there is a potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way buspirone functions, but they do know that it reduces the levels of serotonin as well as its actions in certain regions 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 is generally thought to be less toxic and has a lower chance of addiction than benzodiazepines and barbiturates. However, like other medications they can trigger side effects. The most common side effects are dizziness and nausea. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements and ingredients you are taking prior to starting buspirone because it could interact with them.
If you are over 65, your doctor could prescribe buspirone at a lower dose. This is due to the fact that older people tend to react to drugs differently than younger people do. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
Inform your doctor whether any of these medications are being taken by you. These include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone may increase the amount of these drugs in your body, leading to serious side negative effects.
Consult your physician if you suffer from kidney or liver diseases stomach issues, are pregnant, or breastfeed. In these situations, certain medications, such as 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 other medications or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative method of treatment for your anxiety. This could be a new kind of antidepressant like Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL for each drug will provide additional information on how to take it and possible adverse reactions.
Other Medicines
There are many other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is one option. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to cope with anxiety and change your ways of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, having a regular workout routine, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Some people experience relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medications. If you try these options and they aren't working consult your physician.
Medicines used as an anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan (lorazepam) can enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA in your brain to promote tranquility. They can help you feel better quickly however they can become addictive if used for a long time. Antidepressants require longer time to work but they balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters, which affect your mood.
natural anxiety treatments are the most common antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, a chemical signalling agent in your brain. This can boost your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. Another antidepressant class, serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, prevent the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals, making you feel more energized. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another antidepressant class that is sometimes used by people who do not respond to SSRIs to treat anxiety.
There are numerous other medicines 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.
Although medication is a very effective treatment for anxiety but it shouldn't be the only option you choose to use. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying reason for your anxiety like eating disorders, debt or a bad relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which helps you to regulate your brain's activity with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.