Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Being anxious from time time is normal, but if your symptoms are interfering with your daily routine it is recommended to consider taking medication. Doctors prescribe many different medications to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) target the brain chemical Gamma-aminobutyric Acid to help people feel at peace. They can be addictive if used for a long time.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders are serious mental illnesses that can hinder the ability of a person to function. Treatment can ease symptoms and improve an individual's ability to function. There are a variety of types of anxiety medication. However, benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat anxiety. These drugs can cause severe side effects, which is why they are typically prescribed for short-term use. Other types of medications might be better suited to those suffering from severe symptoms or anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are prescription drugs that slow brain activity and reduce the functions of the central nervous system by increasing the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They can be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder as well as insomnia, seizures, and other ailments. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and the clonazepam (Klonopin) diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are prescribed to treat short-term anxiety symptoms. They are not recommended for long-term use because they can be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos can cause addiction and serious health issues if taken longer than prescribed. They also carry the risk of overdose and death particularly when used in conjunction with other drugs which can affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety medicines that don't contain benzodiazepines are effective in relieving anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It can take up to several weeks for them to become fully efficient. However, they're more effective for chronic (sustained levels) of anxiety, not panic attacks. Buspirone is a popular medication that alters the chemical levels in the brain that regulate mood and is available as both a generic drug as well as a brand-name one known as Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for a long time your doctor might suggest an gradual reduction in dosage. This can help prevent withdrawal and minimize undesirable adverse effects, such as drowsiness, memory problems and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a disorder that affects different people, but it can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. A psychiatrist has a variety of tools to assist people suffering from anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. These medicines combat symptoms of anxiety such as feelings of fear, anxiety, and hyperactivity, and can help in improving sleep and concentration. However, these medications don't solve anxiety disorders , and it could take several weeks to reach their full effect.
Antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They can be extremely effective in reducing symptoms. SSRIs, such as citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac) have been extensively used to treat anxiety. Similar to that, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also frequently used for anxiety. The SNRIs aid in reducing anxiety by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain, which regulates mood and easing anxiety.
Antihistamines have also been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. They can lower the amount of brain activity that is hyperactive by blocking certain histamine-receptors which soothes the body as well as the mind. Hydroxyzine, a common antihistamine brand name, is a popular treatment for anxiety and has been studied to prove its effectiveness.
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed as emergency medications for anxiety that is severe and are known to relieve anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. However, benzodiazepines can be addictive and cease to be effective after 4 to 8 weeks. They are not the best option for long-term use because they can have serious side effects like dependence and memory impairment. Doctors are not often prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychologists are equipped with a variety of tools to help manage anxiety. They consider your medical history, diagnosis and preferences to create a treatment plan. They may recommend psychotherapy, exercise or medication. These medications can help calm fears and trigger the fight-or-flight response, making you feel more relaxed. They can also lower the heart rate, which could ease a tight feeling in the chest.
There are various types of anxiety-related medications available, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines boost the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA), which helps you feel at peace. However, they can also become addicting if they're used for prolonged periods of time and trigger withdrawal after stopping. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing serotonin, a chemical in the brain, to improve communication between neurons and regulate mood. Typically, SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram (Celexa). SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR) also increase serotonin levels, and prevent the reuptake norepinephrine which enhances energy.
Beta blockers, including propranolol, function by blocking adrenaline, which is a hormone that is released when there is anxiety or stress. They can be used prior to occasions or events that cause anxiety, such as flying or public speaking, to help reduce the jitters and tremors. They can also be utilized to decrease anxiety-related symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, which are associated with certain conditions like migraines or heart disease.
While these medications are effective for certain people, there are many ways to lessen anxiety without taking medicine. Some of these methods include practicing relaxation and meditation as well as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Avoiding caffeine and drinking alcohol can reduce anxiety. You can also avoid anxiety-provoking stories on social media and other news sources. These are known to cause anxiety in some people. You can also seek support from a mental health professional or join an anxiety support group disorders. This can help you develop coping strategies and connect with others who have experienced similar issues.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Many people feel anxious or stress at some moment, but it is a different story when it's chronic and interferes with everyday life. A mental health professional like psychiatrists may suggest medication to help manage anxiety symptoms. The psychiatrist will look at your medical history, family history and preferences when making a treatment plan. You may need to try a few medications before you find one that works for you.
The most popular type of anxiety medication is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which can aid in treating anxiety and depression. These medications can take several weeks to begin working and therefore it is important not to be discouraged if you do not see an improvement right away. These medications can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and dry mouth. However they are generally tolerated.
Other types of anti-anxiety drugs include benzodiazepines as well as antidepressants. Benzodiazepines enhance the brain's chemical known as gamma -aminobutryic acid (GABA) to make you feel relaxed. Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs can offer relief within minutes or hours, however they pose the potential for withdrawal and addiction when used for extended durations.
Medications like clomipramine (Clonazepam) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) prevent the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the brain. These medications can also produce negative side effects such as dizziness nausea and drowsiness.
Other medications used to combat anxiety are known as beta blockers. They help reduce a rapid heart rate that is associated with panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. Propranolol is the most frequently prescribed medication for this. Beta blockers are commonly used to treat irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, however, they have been proven to be effective in reducing feelings of anxiety that can be experienced in certain situations like public speaking or test taking. These medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure while standing up, drowsiness and bradycardia. This can lower your heart rate below the normal range. You can also try natural remedies to relieve your anxiety. Exercise can reduce stress and improve mood by encouraging the production of neurotransmitters, also known as endorphins. In addition meditation and relaxation techniques like deep breathing and chamomile tea can help.