Anxiety Treatment Medications

Psychotherapy and medication may help people with anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to help with extreme anxiety treatment.

Antidepressants can also be used to treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram help by stopping nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin. This chemical can affect mood.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful drugs that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. However, they also are physically addictive and pose serious safety risks when used for prolonged periods of time. They should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. They can be used as an “as-needed” treatment for panic attacks and other anxiety disorders that are severe. Benzos are usually employed in conjunction with other medicines such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders.

Benzos are extremely effective in short-term anxiety relief and can aid in getting an excellent night’s rest. However they can be harmful when used in excess, and are not recommended to be used in conjunction with other medications. When mixed with sedative drugs like alcohol or opioid pain medication, benzodiazepines could increase the risk of an overdose and even death. They can also interact with some antidepressants, causing serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

If prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines are safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious about taking them because they can be addictive and cause negative side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use can trigger a severe withdrawal reaction and those who become dependent are typically not able to stop taking them without experiencing severe symptoms such as depression and seizures. The main thing to remember about long-term use of benzos is to: prescribe them only for patients who may benefit from them; use them in situations in which they are likely to improve anxiety symptoms; stay away from prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; limit the chance of abuse, especially by children; and pair them with effective psychological interventions.

Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines, can reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing them from being activated in the brain. These drugs can help you sleep better and feel less anxious however they aren’t going to solve the root issue that’s causing you worry (like the rising cost of bills or a strained relationship).

Meditation, exercise yoga, and [empty] meditation are all natural methods to decrease anxiety. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to confront your irrational fears and anxieties.

Antidepressants

SSRIs also known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, are a great choice for those suffering from anxiety because they assist the brain to manage mood. It can take up to four weeks before they begin working. If someone doesn’t feel better in that time, they should talk to their physician about changing their medication.

Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also effective in treating anxiety. They may work faster compared to older drugs such as venlafaxine and XR. However it’s important to keep in mind that these drugs can trigger severe reactions in some individuals. If you encounter this reaction, contact healthdirect at 1800 022222 to talk to a registered nurse.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs are a different type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemicals in the brain down, including noradrenaline. This causes the levels of these chemicals to increase which has a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are generally reserved for those who are not improving on other antidepressants however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.

One of the most effective antidepressants for anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, however they are not as prone to side effects. These medications start with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as the dose is increased. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, they might not be as effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

A newer antidepressant, buspirone is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer, but it doesn’t cause the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It also doesn’t hinder memory and coordination. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain and decreasing dopamine levels. The drug is effective for up to 70 per cent of those who try it. The adverse effects are likely to decrease as the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, like exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, can be combined with these medications to improve their effectiveness.

Buspirone

Buspirone is a generic medicine used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, typically every day, twice. It’s not a controlled substance, but it does have the potential to be abused.

Doctors aren’t certain of the exact way buspirone works, but they believe that it reduces the levels of serotonin and its effects in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to stress and anxiety.

Buspirone is generally regarded as safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It is generally thought to be less toxic and have a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines as well as barbiturates. However, as with other medications they can trigger adverse reactions. Most common are dizziness and nausea. Buspirone can interact with other medications, supplements, and ingredients. Tell your doctor if you take any of these prior to beginning the medication.

Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you are over 65. This is because people who are older tend to react differently to drugs than younger people. This is anxiety treatable particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.

It’s also important to tell your doctor if you’re taking an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and the phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs within your body, which can lead to serious side effects.

You should also inform your doctor anxiety management know that you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease or stomach problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain medicines, like SSRIs might not be suitable for you under these situations.

Your doctor could prescribe an alternative treatment when buspirone fails to work or if you are unable to take it due to a medical issue, or because of an interaction with another drug. It could be a different type of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac; a beta blocker, such as propranolol; or a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PIL will give more details about how to make use of the drug as well as possible adverse reactions.

Other Medications

In addition to medications there are other treatments that can help reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a possible option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope with anxiety and alter your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques and maintaining a regular workout routine, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Some people get relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medication. If you try these alternatives and they don’t help consult your physician.

Medications used as an anxiety treatment usually fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan or lorazepam increase the activity of GABA in your brain, which promotes peace. They can help you feel better quickly but they also become addictive when used long-term. Antidepressants take longer to work, but they regulate the levels in your brain of certain neurotransmitters, chemicals that affect your mood.

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most common type of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood and make you feel less anxiety. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that stops the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine out of your brain. This increases levels of these chemicals in your body, which makes you feel more energized. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a third antidepressant group that is sometimes used by people who do not respond to SSRIs to combat anxiety.

There are a myriad of other medications that are sometimes used to treat anxiety, such as azapirones (such as buspirone) beta- and alpha-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and Clonidine. They have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

Although medication is a very effective treatment for anxiety however, it shouldn’t be your only option you choose to use. Alternative treatments are more effective if you have an underlying cause of your anxiety, such as food insecurity, debt, or a bad relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which will teach you how to regulate your brain’s activity by using a device to monitor them), and mindfulness meditation.