Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Being anxious from time moment is normal, but if your symptoms are interfering with daily life it is recommended to consider taking treatment. Doctors prescribe various medications to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) focus on a brain chemical called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid to help people feel calm. If they are used for a long time they could become addictive.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect the quality of life of a person. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve a person's performance. There are a variety of types of anxiety medications. However, benzodiazepines are among the most common drugs used to treat anxiety. These medications can cause severe side effects, which is why they are usually prescribed on a short-term basis. Other kinds of medication may be better suited for those with long-term anxiety disorders or severe symptoms.
Benzodiazepines or benzos, for short, are prescription medications that reduce 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 as well as insomnia, seizures, and other disorders. Alprazolam, clonazepam and diazepam and lorazepam are some examples. Benzos are usually prescribed for short-term use to ease acute anxiety symptoms. They are not advised for long-term use because they may be addictive.
best medicine for anxiety disorder warns that benzos can cause addiction and serious health issues when taken for longer than prescribed. They also have the potential of death or overdose, especially if taken alongside other drugs that affect the central nervous system.
Other antianxiety medications that do not contain benzodiazepines may be effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It can take a few weeks before they are fully efficient however, they are more effective when you have 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 an generic drug and a brand-name drug called Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines a long while and your doctor suggests the gradual reduction of dosage. This can help prevent withdrawal and reduce unpleasant adverse side effects such as fatigue, memory problems and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a disorder that affects individuals in different ways, but it can be managed with psychotherapy and medication. A psychiatrist has many tools to help people with anxiety disorders, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. These medicines treat anxiety symptoms like restlessness, dread and hyperactivity. They also aid with sleeping and concentration. These medications do not cure anxiety disorders, and it may take a few weeks for them to have their full effect.
Doctors prescribe a variety antidepressants as first-choice medications to treat anxiety disorders, and they can be effective in managing the symptoms. SSRIs like citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac), have been widely employed to treat anxiety. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR) are also used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs reduce anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.
Medications such as antihistamines can also be used to treat anxiety disorder, and they have been proven effective. They can reduce the amount of brain activity that is hyperactive by blocking certain histamine-receptors which soothes the body as well as the mind. Hydroxyzine is a well-known antihistamine brand name, is a popular option for treating anxiety and has been used in studies to prove its efficacy.
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as emergency medications to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and they are known to reduce anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. However, benzodiazepines are addictive and cease to be effective after 4 to 8 weeks. They are also not a good choice for long-term use as they can have serious side effects like dependence and memory impairment. Because of this, doctors do not prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
The psychiatric team has a wealth of tools to help manage anxiety. They take into consideration your diagnosis, medical background and preferences when determining a treatment plan. They may suggest medication, psychotherapy or exercise. These medications can help calm the fear signals and fight-or flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They also can lower the heart rate, which could ease tension in your chest.
There are a variety of anxiety medications available, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta blockers. They work by increasing the brain chemical known as gamma-aminobutryic acids (GABA) which helps you to feel at peace. They can become addictive when taken for a long period, and cause withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing serotonin, a chemical in the brain, in order to improve communication between neurons and regulate mood. Sertraline (Zoloft) as well as citalopram and Celexa are among the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. SNRIs, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and extended-release venlafaxine (Effexor XR) also boost levels of serotonin. However they also block the reuptake and release of another chemical messenger, called norepinephrine which can boost energy levels.
Beta blockers, including propranolol, work by blocking adrenaline, a hormone which is released during times of stress or anxiety. They can be used prior to events or situations that trigger nervousness, such as public speaking or flying, to help reduce the jitters and tremors. They can also be used to reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness and nausea that are that are associated with certain ailments like migraines or heart disease.
While these medications can be effective for some people but there are a variety of ways you can lessen anxiety without taking medicine. These techniques include learning to relax and meditate in addition to getting enough rest and exercising regularly. Refraining from drinking alcohol and caffeine can help to reduce your anxiety. It is also advisable to avoid worrying stories on social media and other news sources. These are known to cause anxiety in certain people. In addition, you can seek out help from an expert in mental health, or join an anxiety disorder support group. This will help you develop strategies for dealing with anxiety and make connections with other people who have had similar experiences.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Many people experience feelings of anxiety or stress at some time, but it is a different story when it's chronic and causes problems with everyday life. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist might recommend medication to ease anxiety symptoms. When making a decision on a treatment plan, the psychiatrist will take into account your medical history, your family history and preferences. It is possible that you will need to test a couple of drugs before you can find one that is effective for you.
The most common type of anxiety medication is referred to as a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can aid in treating anxiety and depression. These medications can take several weeks to begin working and it's important not to be discouraged if you don't see an improvement right away. They can trigger negative side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation and diarrhea, however they are generally well tolerated.
Other forms of anti-anxiety medication include benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines increase the activity of a brain chemical known as gamma -aminobutryic acid (GABA) to help you feel relaxed. Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs can offer relief within minutes to hours, but they have an increased risk of dependence and withdrawal if taken 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 drugs can cause adverse effects like dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.
Other medications used to treat anxiety are known as beta blockers, which can help slow down the heart rate that is associated with panic attacks and other phobias. Propranolol is the most frequently prescribed medication for this purpose. Beta blockers are generally prescribed to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. However they've also been proven to reduce anxiety in specific situations, such as when delivering a public speech or taking an examination. Side effects of these drugs could include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) as well as bradycardia, drowsiness, and drows which can reduce the heart rate to lower the normal range. You can also try natural remedies to relieve anxiety. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood through the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. In addition, relaxation techniques and meditation such as deep breathing and chamomile tea can help.