Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Feeling anxious from time to time is normal, but if your symptoms are interfering with your daily routine it is recommended to consider taking treatment. A variety of medications are prescribed by medical professionals to treat anxiety-related disorders.
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are aimed at the brain chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid to help people feel at peace. If they are used for a long time they could become addictive.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders are serious mental disorders that can impact the capacity of an individual to perform. Medication can help manage symptoms and improve a person's performance. A variety of medications for anxiety are available. However, benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat anxiety. These drugs have serious side-effects, so they are usually prescribed only for a short time. Other types of medication may be more appropriate for those with severe symptoms or long-term anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are prescribed medications that reduce brain activity and reduce the functions of the central nervous system through the increase of the neurotransmitter Gammaa-aminobutyric Acid (GABA). They can be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder as well as insomnia, seizures, and other disorders. Alprazolam, clonazepam and diazepam and lorazepam are a few examples. Benzos are usually prescribed for short-term use to treat acute anxiety symptoms. They are not advised for long-term use because they may be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos could cause addiction and serious health issues when they are used for longer than recommended. They also have the potential of overdose and death particularly when used in conjunction with other drugs which can affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety medicines that do not contain benzodiazepines can be effective in alleviating anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It could take several weeks for them to become fully efficient. However, they're more effective in chronic (sustained levels) of anxiety rather than panic attacks. Buspirone is a well-known medication which affects the brain chemicals that regulate mood, is available both as a generic drug or a brand-named product called Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines over a long time, your doctor can recommend a tapering-off method to gradually reduce your dosage. This will help to prevent withdrawal and minimize undesirable adverse effects, such as drowsiness, memory problems and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety affects everyone in a different way however it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist has many tools to help people with anxiety disorders , including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, as well as beta blockers. These medications work to combat symptoms of anxiety such as anxiety, dread, and hyperactivity, and can help in improving sleep and concentration. These medications are not able to solve anxiety disorders, and it may take several weeks before they take full effect.
Doctors prescribe a variety antidepressants as the first-choice medicines to treat anxiety disorders and they are effective in managing the symptoms. SSRIs include citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac), have been extensively employed to treat anxiety. Similar to that, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also commonly used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs reduce anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.
Antihistamines have also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. They can decrease the amount of brain activity that is hyperactive by blocking certain histamine-receptors which relaxes the body and the mind. Hydroxyzine is a popular brand name for antihistamines which has been used to treat anxiety in numerous studies.
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as emergency medications for severe anxiety and are believed to reduce anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and their effectiveness could be diminished after 4-8 week. They are not the best choice for long-term use since they can cause serious side effects, such as dependence and memory impairment. This is why doctors do not prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists have a variety of tools at their disposal to help you manage anxiety. They will take into account your medical history, diagnosis and preferences when determining an appropriate treatment plan. They might recommend therapy, exercise or medication. These medications can reduce fear signals and fight-or flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They can also reduce your heart rate which can relieve chest tightness.
There are various types of anxiety medications available, including benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines boost the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA), which helps you feel at peace. However, they can become addictive if used for long periods of time, and can cause withdrawal after stopping. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing the brain chemical serotonin to improve communication between neurons and regulate mood. Sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram, and Celexa are two of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR) are also able to increase levels of serotonin. However, they also prevent the reuptake of another chemical messenger, norepinephrine which boosts energy levels.
Beta blockers, like propranolol, function by blocking adrenaline, a hormone that is released when there is anxiety or stress. They can be taken prior to situations or events that cause anxiety, like public speaking, or when flying to lessen the tremors. They can be utilized to decrease anxiety-related symptoms such as nausea and headaches, which are associated with certain illnesses such as migraines and heart disease.
There are many ways to decrease anxiety without medication. Some of these strategies include learning relaxation and meditation practices as well as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Eliminating alcohol and caffeine can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is also advisable to avoid worrying stories on social media and other news sources. These are known to cause anxiety in some people. Additionally, you can try seeking help from an expert in mental health or join an anxiety disorder support group. This will help you learn coping techniques and meet with people who have similar experiences.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Many people have feelings of anxiety or stress at some time, but it is a different story when it's chronic and causes problems with daily activities. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists may suggest 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. You may need to try several medications before you find one that is effective for you.
The most commonly used type of anxiety medication is referred to as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI), which can aid in treating depression and anxiety. It can take several weeks for these medications to begin working, so don't be discouraged if you don't see improvement right away. These medications can cause side-effects like constipation, diarrhea or dry mouth. However they're generally well tolerated.
Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are also anti-anxiety drugs. These drugs increase the activity of GABA which is a brain chemical that promotes calmness. Alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam are two examples of benzodiazepines. These drugs can provide immediate relief, but they can also be associated with a high rate of addiction and withdrawal if taken for long durations.
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 cause adverse effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea.
Other medications that treat anxiety are called beta blockers. They can help reduce a rapid heart rate associated with panic attacks and other fears. Propranolol, the most commonly prescribed medication for this purpose, is frequently prescribed. Beta blockers are generally prescribed to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. However they have also been proven to reduce anxiety in specific situations, such as when delivering an address in public or taking a test. These drugs can trigger orthostatic hypotension, a decrease in blood pressure when standing up, drowsiness and bradycardia. This may lower your heartbeat below the normal range. There are also natural remedies to relieve your anxiety. Exercise can reduce stress and improve mood by promoting the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. In addition, meditation and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and the chamomile tea can ease.