Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Being anxious from time to moment is normal, but when your symptoms are causing problems with daily life, you should consider medication. A variety of medications are prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium target a brain chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acid in order to calm people down. If used too long they may become addictive.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders can be severe mental disorders that can impact the ability of a person to perform. Medicines can be used to reduce symptoms and increase the capacity of an individual to function. There are a variety of types of anxiety medications. The most commonly used drug to treat anxiety is benzodiazepines. These drugs have serious side-effects and are typically prescribed only for a short time. Certain types of medication might be more suitable for people with long-term anxiety disorders or severe symptoms.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are prescription drugs that reduce brain activity and reduce the functions of the central nervous system by increasing the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They can be beneficial in treating generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures and other conditions. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are often prescribed to treat short-term anxiety-related symptoms. They should not be used for long-term use because they may become addictive.
Most benzos come with an FDA black box warning that they can cause addiction and serious issues when used for longer than prescribed. They also run the risk of death or overdose especially when taken in conjunction together with other medications that affect the central nervous system.
Other antianxiety medications that don't contain benzodiazepines can be effective in relieving anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It can take up to several weeks before they are completely efficient. However, they're more effective with chronic (sustained levels) of anxiety, not panic attacks. Buspirone is a well-known medication that affects chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and is available as both an generic drug as well as a brand-name one known as Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, your physician may suggest a tapering-off procedure to gradually decrease your dosage. This can help you avoid withdrawal and minimize undesirable side effects, like drowsiness, memory problems and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a disorder that affects different people however it can be managed with psychotherapy and medication. Beta blockers, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are a few of the tools that a psychiatrist can employ to assist those suffering from anxiety disorders . These medications work to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of dread, restlessness and hyperactivity, and can help in improving sleep and concentration. These medications are not able to treat anxiety issues, and it can take some time to see them take full effect.
Doctors prescribe a range of antidepressants as first-choice medications to treat anxiety disorders, and they are effective in reducing the symptoms. SSRIs like citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro) and fluoxetine(Prozac) have been widely employed 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 reduce anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.
Antihistamines are also proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. They can reduce hyperactivity by blocking certain histamine receptors in the brain, helping to calm the mind and body. Hydroxyzine, a common antihistamine brand name, is a well-known option for treating anxiety and has been studied to prove its efficacy.
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed as emergency medicines for anxiety that is severe and are believed to relieve anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. However, benzodiazepines can be addictive and cease to be effective after 4 to 8 weeks. They are also not a good option for long-term use because they can cause serious side effects such as dependence and memory impairment. Doctors are not often prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists have many tools in their arsenal to help manage anxiety. They take your diagnosis, medical history and preferences into consideration to put together an appropriate treatment plan for you. They may recommend treatment, psychotherapy, or even exercise. These medications can help calm the fear signals and fight-or flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They can also lower the heart rate, which can relieve tension in your chest.
There are a variety of anxiety medications available, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines increase the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA) which makes you feel at peace. However, they can also become addictive if they are used for long periods of time and trigger withdrawal when they stop. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) function by boosting the brain chemical serotonin in order to improve the communication between neurons and regulate mood. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram (Celexa). SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR) also increase serotonin levels, and hinder the reuptake of norepinephrine that enhances energy.
Propranolol and other beta blockers are effective in blocking adrenaline. This hormone is released when you are stressed or anxious. They can be used prior to situations or events that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking, or while flying, in order to lessen the tremors. They can be used to reduce anxiety-related symptoms such as headaches and nausea that are associated with certain conditions such as migraines and heart disease.
Although these medications work for certain people There are many other ways you can reduce your anxiety without using medication. Some of these methods include learning relaxation and meditation practices as well as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Avoiding drinking and drinking caffeine can help to reduce anxiety. You can also try avoiding anxious news stories such as those that are posted on social media, which have been known to cause anxiety in some people. In addition, you could try seeking help from an expert in mental health or join an anxiety disorder support group. This will help you improve your coping skills and connect with other people who have had similar experiences.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
A majority of people experience anxiety or stress at some moment in their lives. However when the problem becomes chronic and interferes with daily life, it's quite different. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist might recommend medication to manage anxiety symptoms. When choosing a treatment plan, the psychiatrist will take into account your medical history, family history and preferences. You may also have to test several treatments before you can find the right one for you.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) is the most common anxiety medication. It can aid in the treatment of anxiety or depression. It could take several weeks for these drugs to begin working, so don't become discouraged if there is no improvement immediately. They can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation and diarrhea, but they are generally well tolerated.
Other anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines and antidepressants. These drugs increase the activity of GABA, a brain chemical that helps promote tranquility. Alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam are examples of benzodiazepines. These drugs can provide immediate relief, but are also associated with a high rate of dependence and withdrawal when taken for long 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 that treat anxiety are known as beta blockers. They help reduce a rapid heart rate that can be associated with panic attacks and other phobias. Propranolol is the most frequently prescribed drug for this purpose. Beta blockers are typically used to treat irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, but they have also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety feelings that may be experienced in certain situations such as public speaking or test taking. Side effects of these drugs could include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) as well as drowsiness and bradycardia which can reduce your heart rate below the normal range. There are also natural remedies to relieve your anxiety. Exercise can ease stress and improve mood, by promoting the release of neurotransmitters, known as endorphins. Additionally, meditation and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and the chamomile tea can ease.