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Anxiety Treatment Medications Psychotherapy and medication can aid those suffering from anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants can also be used to combat anxiety. SSRIs such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by blocking nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that affects mood. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are powerful medications to treat anxiety. They are effective and quick. They are also physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used for a long time. This is why they should always be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a medical professional. They can be used as a "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos are often used together with other medications such as antidepressants or psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of an overall treatment for anxiety disorders. Benzos can be very effective in treating anxiety for a brief duration, and they can help you sleep well. They can be dangerous when misused and are not recommended for use with other drugs. When mixed with sedative substances such as alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of overdose and death. They may also interact negatively with antidepressants and trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. When prescribed by a doctor When prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are safe and effective at treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious about taking them because they can be addictive and cause negative side effects like memory loss. Long-term use can cause severe withdrawal reactions and those who become dependent are frequently incapable of stopping their use without experiencing severe symptoms such as seizures and depression. The key to long term benzo use is: prescribing them only to patients who could benefit from their use, using them in clinical settings that are likely improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding long-term use or abrupt withdrawal, minimizing the chance of abuse, and using them in conjunction with effective psychological interventions. Anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing them from being released in the brain. These drugs may make you sleepy and less anxious, but they do not address the root issue that is making you worry. Exercise, meditation yoga, and meditation are all natural ways to lessen anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You can learn to overcome anxiety and worries that are not rational. Antidepressants SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a good option for anxiety because they work on the brain to regulate mood. However, they could take between four and six weeks or more to start working. If a person doesn't feel better after this time you should talk to the doctor about changing their medications. The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine and nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may work faster than older drugs such as venlafaxine and XR. However, it's important to note that these drugs can trigger a severe reaction in some individuals. If you experience this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 to speak to an experienced nurse. MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant which can be used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain down, including noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to increase, with a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients that are not able to respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants are among the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. These medications are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, but they have fewer side effects. They begin at a low dose, and their effectiveness improves as the dose is increased. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, they may not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder. Buspirone, a newer antidepressant, is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer that does not have the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect memory or coordination. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain and reducing dopamine. The drug is effective for up to 70 per cent of those who try it. The risk of side effects tends to decrease when the medication is taken for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be used in conjunction with these medications to enhance the effects. Buspirone Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, typically twice a day. It is not a controlled drug however there is the potential for abuse. Doctors aren't quite sure how it operates, but they believe that buspirone can reduce the amount and actions of a chemical referred to as serotonin in certain parts of the brain. This makes the nervous system less responsive to anxiety and stress. Buspirone is generally considered safe by doctors for the majority of people. It's generally regarded as having a lower degree of toxicity, and a lesser risk of addiction than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Like other drugs, it may cause adverse reactions. The most common side effects are dizziness and nausea. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements and ingredients that you are taking before starting buspirone, since it can interact with them. 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 ones. This is especially true for drugs that affect your nervous system. You should also inform your doctor know if suffer from kidney illness, stomach issues or if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Certain medicines, like SSRIs, may not be suitable for you under these circumstances. If buspirone isn't working or you're unable to take it because of a medical condition or interaction with other medications or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative method of treatment for your anxiety. It could be a different type of antidepressant like Lexapro or Prozac or beta blockers such as propranolol; or a benzodiazepine drug, such as Xanax. The PIL for each drug will include more information about how to take it and possible adverse reactions.
Other Medications There are other options to help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to deal with anxiety and change your ways of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, a regular exercise routine, and abstaining from alcohol and drugs. Herbal medicines can be helpful for sufferers with anxiety-related symptoms. If you try these options and they aren't working consult your physician. The medications used for anxiety treatment typically fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam), enhance the function of gamma-aminobutyric acids, or GABA in your brain to promote calmness. They offer quick relief, however they can be addictive if taken for long periods of time. Antidepressants take longer to work but they can balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters, that influence your mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), or SSRIs, are the most well-known kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain. This can boost your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that prevents the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine from the brain. This boosts the levels of these chemicals in your body, which makes you feel more energetic. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another antidepressant class that is often used by those who do not respond to SSRIs to combat anxiety. There are a variety of other medicines that are often used to treat anxiety, including azapirones (such as buspirone) beta- and alpha-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and Clonidine. These medicines have a lower chance of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines. Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't always be used. If you have an underlying reason for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or a problematic relationship, non-medicative treatments could be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which teaches you how to manage your brain's waves by using a device to monitor them), and mindfulness meditation. |
