Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Being anxious from time moment is normal, but when your symptoms are causing problems with your daily activities it is recommended to consider taking the use of medication. Doctors prescribe a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders .
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) focus on the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid. It helps people feel at peace. They can be addictive if used for too long.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders can be serious mental conditions that can affect the ability of a person to perform. The use of medication can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the capacity of a person to function. Many different types of medications for anxiety are available. The most popular drug used to treat anxiety is benzodiazepines. These medications can cause severe side effects, which is why they are typically prescribed on a short-term basis. Other types of medications might be better suited for people with severe symptoms or long-term anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines or benzos, for short, are prescription medicines that slow brain activity and reduce central nervous system functions by enhancing the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They can be beneficial in treating generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures and other disorders. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are prescribed to treat short-term anxiety symptoms. They are not advised for long-term use since they can be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos may cause addiction and serious problems when taken for longer than prescribed. They also run the risk of overdose and even death particularly when combined alongside other drugs that affect the central nervous system.
Other antianxiety medicines that don't contain benzodiazepines can be effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep patterns. They can take several weeks before they are fully effective however they are more effective with chronic (sustained) levels of anxiety, rather than peaks like panic attacks. Buspirone is a popular medication that alters the chemical levels in the brain that regulate mood. It is available as generic drugs as well as a brand-name one called Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for for a long time and your doctor suggests an gradual reduction in dosage. This can help to prevent withdrawal symptoms and limit unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and memory problems.
Antidepressants
Anxiety affects everyone differently, but can be managed with medication and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist has a range of tools to help people with anxiety disorders, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. These drugs treat symptoms of anxiety, like feelings of dread, restlessness and hyperactivity. They also help with sleep and concentration. However, they do not solve anxiety disorders, and it could take several weeks to reach their full effect.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They can be extremely effective in managing symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac), are widely utilized to treat anxiety. Similarly, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also commonly used for anxiety. The SNRIs aid in reducing anxiety by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain, regulating mood and easing anxiety.
Antihistamines are also proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. They can decrease hyperactivity in the brain by blocking certain histamine-receptors which calms the body and the mind. Hydroxyzine is a common brand name for antihistamines which have been utilized to treat anxiety in numerous studies.
Benzodiazepines relieve anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. However, they can be addictive and lose their effectiveness after 4 to 8 weeks. They are not the best choice for long-term use as they can trigger serious side effects such as dependence and memory impairment. Doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychologists are equipped with a variety of tools to help manage anxiety. They take your medical history, diagnosis and preferences into consideration to develop the best treatment plan for you. They may recommend medication, psychotherapy or even exercise. These medications can help calm fears and trigger the fight-or-flight response, making you feel more relaxed. They can also lower your heart rate which can relieve tightness in your chest.
There are many types of anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. The benzodiazepines enhance the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA), which helps you feel at peace. They can be addictive if taken for a long period, and cause withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing the levels of the serotonin brain chemical to improve the communication between nerve cells and regulate mood. Sertraline (Zoloft) as well as citalopram and Celexa are two of the most frequently prescribed SSRIs. SNRIs, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR) also boost levels of serotonin. However they also hinder the reuptake of another chemical messenger, norepinephrine which boosts energy levels.
Propranolol and other beta blockers are effective in blocking adrenaline. This hormone is released when you're stressed or anxious. They can be taken prior to events or situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking, or while flying to reduce the tremors. They can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms such as headaches and nausea that are associated with certain illnesses like migraines or heart disease.
There are many ways to reduce anxiety without taking medication. Some of these methods include practicing meditation and relaxation techniques taking a good night's sleep, and working out regularly. Avoiding caffeine and drinking alcohol can reduce anxiety. It is also advisable to avoid worrying stories on social media and other news sources. These can cause anxiety in some people. Additionally, you can try to get support from a mental health professional or join an anxiety disorder support group. This will help you learn coping techniques and connect with other people who have experienced similar issues.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Many people feel anxious or stress at some point, but the condition is different when it's persistent and interferes with daily activities. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional may prescribe medication to manage anxiety symptoms. When making a decision on a treatment plan the psychiatrist will consider your medical history, your family history and preferences. It is possible that you will need to test several medications before you find one that works for you.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is the most commonly used anxiety medication. It can aid in the treatment of depression or anxiety. It can take several weeks for these drugs to start working, so don't get discouraged if you don't notice improvement in the first few days. These medications can trigger side effects like constipation, diarrhea or dry mouth. However they are generally tolerated.
Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are both anti-anxiety drugs. Benzodiazepines boost the activity of GABA which is a chemical in the brain that helps to promote tranquility. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs can provide instant relief, but they can also be associated with a high risk of addiction and withdrawal if used for prolonged periods of time.
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 side effects like dizziness, nausea and drowsiness.
Beta blockers are another type of medication that is used to treat anxiety. They can help to reduce the rapid heart rate that is associated with panic attacks and other fears. Propranolol is the most commonly prescribed medication for this purpose. Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. However, they've also been proven to reduce anxiety in certain situations, such as when delivering an address to the public or taking tests. The side effects of these medications could include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) as well as bradycardia, drowsiness, and drows which can reduce your heart rate to below the normal range. You can also try natural remedies to relieve anxiety. Exercise can help ease stress and improve mood by promoting the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. Meditation and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or chamomile tea, can also be beneficial.