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Anxiety Treatment Medications People with anxiety disorders often recover by undergoing psychotherapy and taking medication. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are used to combat anxiety. Antidepressants can also be used to treat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are effective in preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that affects mood. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry significant safety risks when used for a long time. They should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. They are an "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks as well as other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos can be used in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders. Benzos are extremely effective in short-term anxiety treatment, and they can help you get an excellent night's rest. They can be hazardous if abused and are not recommended for use in conjunction with other medicines. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives, such as opioid pain medication and alcohol, the risk of death or overdose increases. They can also interact with antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. If prescribed by your physician If prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe when treating anxiety disorders. However, many doctors are cautious when it comes to using them, because they can be addictive and have negative side effects like memory loss. Long-term use of these drugs can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who become dependent are often unable stop taking them without suffering severe side effects such as seizures and depression. The most important thing to remember when using benzos for long-term use is to use them only to patients who might benefit from them; utilize them in situations in which they could alleviate anxiety symptoms; stay away from prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; minimize the chance of abuse, particularly among children; and mix them with effective psychological treatments. Anxiety medication, such as benzodiazepines, can alleviate anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and preventing them from firing in the brain. These medications can help you sleep and feel less anxious, but they will not resolve the root cause that causes anxiety. Meditation, exercise, and yoga are all natural ways to lessen anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment. You learn to overcome anxiety and worries that are not rational. Antidepressants SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a viable alternative for those suffering from anxiety as they work on the brain to control mood. However, they may take four to six weeks or more to begin working. If one isn't feeling better after that time they should speak to their doctor about changing their medication. Newer antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They may be more effective than older drugs such as venlafaxine XR. However, it's important to note that these drugs can trigger severe reactions in some people. If you have this reaction, call healthdirect on 1800 022222 to speak to a registered nurse. Monoamine Oxase Inhibitors, also known as MAOIs are a different type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain down into noradrenaline. This causes levels of these chemicals, which have a a positive impact on mood, to increase. MAOIs tend to be reserved for patients that do not respond well to other antidepressants. However they can be extremely effective in treating anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. They help with mental and anxiety disorders in a way similar to SSRIs, but with fewer negative side effects. They begin with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as dosage 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. A newer antidepressant, buspirone, is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but doesn't have the same side-effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect the ability to concentrate and memory. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. Up to 70% of people who try the drug will find it effective. As the drug is taken for longer, the effects decrease. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, is a good option to combine with these medications to improve their effectiveness. Buspirone Buspirone is a generic medicine that's used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually every day, twice. It's not a regulated drug however there is the potential for abuse. Doctors aren't certain of the exact way it works, but they think that buspirone decreases the quantity and activities of a chemical referred to as serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less responsive to stress and anxiety. Buspirone is generally considered safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It is generally believed as having a lower degree of toxicity, and a lesser chance of becoming addicted than barbiturates or benzodiazepines. However, like other medications they can trigger adverse effects. Most commonly, they are nausea and dizziness. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements and ingredients you are taking prior to starting buspirone since it can interact with them. If you are older than 65, your doctor may prescribe buspirone in a lower dosage. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger people. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.
You should also let your doctor know if suffer from kidney disease or stomach problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medicines, such as SSRIs are not suitable for you under these situations. Your doctor might suggest a different treatment option if buspirone doesn't work or when you are unable take it due to a medical condition, or due to an interaction with another medication. It could be a new kind of antidepressant like Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker such as propranolol, or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL for each drug will contain more information about the best way to take it and possible adverse reactions. Other Medical Treatments There are other options that can help reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a possible option. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to cope with anxiety and change your way of thinking. Other options include acquiring relaxation techniques, maintaining a regular workout routine, and abstaining from using drugs and alcohol. Some people get relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medication. If these alternatives don't work, speak to your doctor. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are two main types of drugs used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan (lorazepam), enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, in your brain to help promote calmness. They can bring relief quickly, but they can also become addictive if used for a long time. Antidepressants are slower to work, but they balance the levels in your brain of certain neurotransmitters, chemicals that influence your mood. SSRIs are the most commonly used antidepressants used to treat anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, a chemical signalling agent in your brain. This can improve your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors known as SNRIs, block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals, making you feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxide inhibitors, or MAOIs, is sometimes used to treat anxiety in people who aren't responsive to SSRIs. There are many other medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They include azapirones, beta- and alpha-blockers and antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, and Clonidine. They have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines. Although medication is an effective anxiety treatment however, it shouldn't be your only treatment you use. If you have a root cause for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-drug treatments may be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT; biofeedback, which allows you to control your own brain waves by using a monitor device and mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation that focuses on the present moment. |
