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Anxiety Treatment Medications People with anxiety disorders usually get better through psychotherapy and medication. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam). Antidepressants can also be used to treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram are effective in preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin. This chemical influences mood. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications that treat anxiety very well and work quickly. However, they also can be physically addictive and they have significant safety risks when used for long durations. They should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. They can be useful as an "as needed" treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos are often utilized in conjunction with other medicines, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive anxiety disorder treatment plan. Benzos can be extremely effective in treating anxiety for a brief time, and they help you sleep better. However they are also dangerous when used in excess, and are not suitable for use with some other medications. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives like opioid pain medication and alcohol the risk of death or overdose is increased. They also interact with antidepressants, causing serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. If prescribed by your physician If prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe when treating anxiety disorders. A lot of doctors are cautious when prescribing them due to the fact that they can trigger addiction and adverse side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use of these drugs can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms and those who become dependent are usually unable to stop taking them without suffering serious side effects, such as seizures and depression. The key to long term benzo use is to prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from them, using them in clinical settings that will likely help improve anxiety symptoms, avoiding long-term use or abrupt withdrawal and minimizing the risk of abuse and using them in conjunction with effective psychological interventions. Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines can help alleviate anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from being released in the brain. These drugs can aid in sleeping and feeling less anxious but they will not solve the underlying issue that causes you to worry. There are a variety of natural methods to lessen anxiety like meditation, exercise and yoga. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to confront your irrational fears and worries.
Antidepressants SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a viable option for people suffering from anxiety since they work on the brain to regulate mood. It could take up to four weeks for them to begin working. If someone isn't feeling better after the time frame it is recommended to talk with their doctor about changing their medication. Antidepressants such as mirtazapine or Nefazodone are effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective when than older medications such as venlafaxine and XR. It's important to remember that these medications can trigger severe reactions in some individuals. If you have this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and speak to a registered nurse. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are a different kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemicals in the brain down into noradrenaline. This causes the levels of these chemicals to rise which has a positive effect on mood. MAOIs are usually reserved for those who are not improving on other kinds of antidepressants, however, they can be effective in treating anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants are among the most effective antidepressants for treating anxiety. They help with mental and anxiety disorders in a similar way to SSRIs but with less adverse effects. They begin at a lower dose and their effectiveness increases as the dosage increases. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, they might not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder. A newer antidepressant, called buspirone is also used to combat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer, but does not have the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect coordination or memory. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain and reducing dopamine levels. About 70% of people who try the drug will find it effective. As the drug is taken longer, side effects tend to diminish. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, is a good option to combine with these medications to enhance their effectiveness. Buspirone Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually every day, twice. It's not a controlled substance, but it does have potential for abuse. Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone works, but believe that it reduces the amount of serotonin as well as its actions in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous system less sensitive to anxiety and stress. Buspirone is generally regarded as safe by doctors for the majority of people. It is generally thought to be less toxic and has a lower risk of addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Like other medications, it may cause adverse reactions. Most common are dizziness and nausea. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and other ingredients you are taking before starting buspirone, because it could interact with them. If you're older than 65, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of buspirone. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger people. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system. Inform your doctor the doctor if any of these medicines are being taken by you. This includes isocarboxazid linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, which can lead to serious adverse side adverse effects. You should also let your doctor know if suffer from kidney problems or stomach disorders or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Some medicines, such as SSRIs are not appropriate for you in these situations. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment when buspirone fails to work or when you are unable take it due to a medical condition, or due to an interaction with another medication. This could be a different kind 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 as well as possible side effects. Other Medical Treatments In addition to medication there are other options to help alleviate anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to manage anxiety and alter your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, having a regular exercise routine, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Some people experience relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medications. If these alternatives don't work, speak to your doctor. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most well-known type of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They increase the level of serotonin, the chemical messenger in your brain, which can improve your mood and make you feel less anxious. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that stops the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine from the brain. This boosts the levels of these chemicals in your body, which makes you feel more energetic. A third antidepressant class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, can be used to treat anxiety in people who aren't responding to SSRIs. There are a number other medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They include azapirones, alpha- and Beta-blockers, Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, and Clonidine. Most of these have lower success rates than SSRIs and benzodiazepines. While medication is an effective treatment for anxiety but it shouldn't be the only treatment you use. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-drug treatments may be more effective. Other options include cognitive-behavioral therapy, or biofeedback, which allows you to control your own brain waves using a monitoring device and mindfulness meditation, which is a form of meditation that focuses on the present moment. |
