Anxiety Treatment Medications
Psychotherapy and medication can help people with anxiety disorders. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants can also be used to treat anxiety. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and citalopram help by stopping neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical can affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medicines that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. However, they also can be physically addictive, and pose serious risks to safety when used over long durations. They should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. They are an "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks as well as other anxiety disorders that are severe. Benzos are typically utilized together with other medications like antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders.
Benzos can be very effective in treating anxiety for a brief period of time, and also help you sleep better. They can be harmful when used in excess and are not recommended to be used alongside other medications. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives like alcohol and opioid pain medication the risk of death or overdose rises. They also can interact negatively with certain antidepressants and trigger severe withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a physician If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines can be safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious about using them due to the fact that they are addictive and can cause negative side effects like memory loss. Long-term use of these substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who develop dependence are often unable stop taking them without experiencing severe side effects like seizures and depression. The key to long-term benzo use is: prescribing them only to patients who could benefit from them, making use of them in settings that are likely improve anxiety symptoms, and avoiding prolonged withdrawal or abrupt discontinuation and minimizing the risk of abuse and combing them with a psychological treatment.
Anxiety medication, such as benzodiazepines, can reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing them from firing in the brain. These medications can assist you in sleeping better and feel less anxious, but they won't solve the underlying problem that's making you anxious (like mounting bills or a strained relationship).
Meditation, exercise yoga, and meditation are all natural ways to decrease anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You learn to overcome the irrational fears and anxieties.
Antidepressants
SSRIs, or selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, are a great choice for people suffering from anxiety, as they assist the brain to regulate mood. However, they could take anywhere from four to six weeks or more to begin working. If the person does not feel better after this time it is recommended to speak with their doctor about changing the medication.
Antidepressants like mirtazapine and Nefazodone are effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective than older drugs such as venlafaxine XR. It is important to be aware that these medications may cause severe reactions in certain people. If someone experiences 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 type of antidepressant that can be used for anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemical in the brain into noradrenaline. This causes the levels of these chemicals to rise and have a positive impact on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients who do not respond to other antidepressants, however, they can be effective in treating anxiety.
One of the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in the way they treat anxiety and other mental disorders, however they are less prone to negative side negative effects. These medicines start with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as the dosage is increased. Tricyclics are effective for treating anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder however they are less likely to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
A newer antidepressant, buspirone, is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but doesn't have the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn't hinder memory or coordination. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. Up to 70% of those who try the drug will find it to be effective. The adverse effects are likely to decrease when the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be used in conjunction with these drugs to improve the effect.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken by mouth generally twice daily. It's not a controlled drug however there is a chance of abuse.
Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone works, but believe that it reduces the levels of serotonin and its actions in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous system less sensitive to stress and anxiety.
In general, doctors consider buspirone as a drug that is safe for most people. It is generally believed to have a lower level of toxicity, and a lesser risk of addiction than barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Like other medications, it may cause adverse reactions. Most commonly, they are dizziness and nausea. Buspirone may interact with other medications, supplements and other ingredients. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these prior to starting the medication.
If you are over 65, your doctor could prescribe buspirone in a lower dosage. This is due to the fact that older people tend to react differently to drugs than younger ones. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
Tell your doctor the doctor if any of these medicines 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 effects.
You should also inform your doctor know that you have liver disease, kidney problems or stomach disorders or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medicines, such as SSRIs, may not be suitable for you in these situations.
If buspirone doesn't work or you're unable to take it because of an illness or interaction with other medications Your doctor may prescribe an alternative form of treatment for your anxiety. It could be a new type of antidepressant, such as Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker like propranolol or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL for each drug will contain more details on the best way to take it and possible adverse effects.
Other Medicines
There are other options to help ease anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a possible option. medication to treat anxiety can teach you how to manage anxiety and change your ways of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, having a regular exercise routine, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Herbal medications can help some people with anxiety symptoms. If you try these alternatives and they aren't working, talk to your doctor.
Medications used as an anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan or lorazepam increase the activity of GABA in your brain, promoting peace. They offer quick relief, but can become addictive if taken for long periods of time. Antidepressants are slower to work, but they balance the levels in your brain of specific neurotransmitters, chemicals that affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants that treat anxiety. They increase the amount of serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that blocks the reabsorption both of serotonin and norepinephrine from your brain. This raises levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxide inhibitors, or MAOIs, is sometimes used to treat anxiety in those who don't respond to SSRIs.
There are many other medicines that can be used to treat anxiety. These include azapirones, beta- and Alpha-blockers and antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, and Clonidine. They have lower success rates than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't be the only option to be employed. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-drug therapies may be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) biofeedback (which will teach you how to control your brain waves with a monitor) and mindfulness meditation.