Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication may help those suffering from anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants are also used to alleviate anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by preventing brain nerve cells 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 they have serious risks to safety when used over long durations. For this reason, they should be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a doctor. They can be useful as an “as required” treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety attacks. Benzos are usually utilized together with other medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of an overall anxiety disorder treatment plan.
Benzos can be extremely effective in treating anxiety for a short period of time, and also aid in sleeping well. They can be hazardous when used in excess and are not recommended for use with other medications. When mixed with sedative drugs such as alcohol or opioid pain medication, benzodiazepines could increase the risk of overdose and death. They can also interfere negatively with certain antidepressants, causing severe withdrawal symptoms.
When prescribed by your doctor When prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines can be very efficient and safe for treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious about taking them because they can you treat anxiety without medication be addictive and have adverse side effects such as memory loss. The long-term use of these medications can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms and those who become dependent are usually unable to quit using them without experiencing severe side effects such as seizures and depression. The main thing to remember about long-term use of benzos is to use them only to patients who may benefit from them, and use them in clinical situations that are likely to improve anxiety symptoms; stay away from prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; limit the chance of abuse, particularly among children; and mix them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medication like benzodiazepines can ease anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerve signals and thus preventing their brains from firing. These drugs can make you sleepy and less anxious but they will not resolve the root cause that causes anxiety.
Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural ways to lessen anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You learn to conquer the irrational fears and anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, are a good option for those suffering from anxiety because they assist the brain to manage mood. It can take up to four weeks for them to start working. If the patient does not feel better after this time it is recommended to speak with the doctor about changing their the medication.
Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine and nefazodone, can also be beneficial in treating anxiety. They may be more effective when in comparison to older drugs such as venlafaxine and XR. However, it’s important to note that these drugs can trigger a severe reaction in some people. If someone experiences this reaction it is recommended that they seek urgent medical attention or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to an experienced nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL Victoria).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs are a different type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain down into noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to increase, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are generally reserved for patients who do not improve on other antidepressants but they can be effective in treating anxiety headache treatment.
The most effective antidepressants for anxiety are tricyclic antidepressants. They help with mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar as SSRIs, but with fewer adverse effects. They are effective in low doses, but their effectiveness increases with the increase in dosage. Tricyclics are effective for treating panic disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but they are less likely to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
A newer antidepressant, called buspirone, is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer, but does not cause the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn’t affect memory or coordination. It is a way of increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. The drug can be effective for up to 70% of those who test it. As the drug is taken for longer, the effects decrease. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, can be incorporated with these medications to enhance their effectiveness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, generally every day, twice. It’s not a controlled substance however it does have potential for abuse.
Doctors aren’t certain of the exact way it works, but they think that buspirone can reduce the amount and action of a chemical called serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to anxiety and stress.
Buspirone is generally considered safe by doctors for the majority of people. It is generally considered to be less toxic and have a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines and barbiturates. However, like other medications, it can cause adverse reactions. 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 before starting buspirone, because it could 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 ones. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
It’s also essential to inform your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the concentrations of these drugs.
Consult your physician to consult your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, stomach problems, are pregnant, or breastfeed. In these cases, certain medicines, such as SSRIs might not be suitable for you.
Your doctor might prescribe an alternative treatment in the event that buspirone isn’t working or when you are unable take it due to a medical issue, or due to an interaction with another drug. This could be a new type of antidepressant, such as Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PIL will give more details about how to treat anxiety naturally to make use of the drug as well as possible side effects.
Other Medical Treatments
In addition to medication, there are other treatments for anxiety that can help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an option. Psychotherapy can anxiety disorder be treated (just click for source) help you change the way you think about your anxiety and teach you coping strategies to manage it. Other options include acquiring relaxation techniques as well as maintaining a regular exercise routine, and staying away from alcohol and other drugs. Herbal medications can help some people with anxiety symptoms. If none of these options work, speak to your doctor.
Antidepressants andbenzodiazepines are the two major categories of medication used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan or lorazepam boost the activity of GABA in your brain, promoting peace. They can help you feel better quickly however they can become addictive when used long-term. Antidepressants require longer time to work but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters, that influence your mood.
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are the most popular kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood or reduce anxiety. Another class of antidepressants is serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, stop the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. A third antidepressant class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in people who don’t respond to SSRIs.
There are also a number of other medications often used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone), alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and clonidine. These medicines have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
Although medication is an effective treatment for anxiety but it shouldn’t be the only treatment you use. Non-pharmacological treatments can be more effective if there is an underlying cause of your anxiety like eating disorders, debt or a relationship that is unhealthy. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as biofeedback, which teaches you to manage your brain waves by using a monitor device and mindfulness meditation, which is a type of meditation that focuses on the present moment.