Anxiety Treatment Medications
People with anxiety disorders usually improve through psychotherapy and medication. Treatments for anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants are also used to alleviate anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram and fluoxetine work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical can affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications that are effective in treating anxiety and work quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry significant safety risks when used for prolonged periods. Because of this, they should be prescribed and taken under the guidance of a medical professional. They can be used as an "as needed" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos are usually utilized together with other medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of a comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective in short-term anxiety relief, and they can help you get a good night's sleep. They can be harmful when used in excess and are not recommended for use in conjunction with other drugs. When mixed with sedative substances such as alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines may increase the risk of overdose and even death. They can also interact with some antidepressants, causing serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
When prescribed by your doctor When prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines can be very effective and safe in treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious about using them due to the fact that they are addictive and can cause negative side effects, such as memory loss. The long-term use of these medications can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and those who develop dependence are usually unable to quit using them without experiencing severe side effects like seizures and depression. The key to long-term benzo use is to prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from them, and use them in situations in which they are likely to ameliorate anxiety symptoms; avoid prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; limit the possibility of abuse, especially by children; and pair them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines, can alleviate anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from being activated in the brain. These drugs can help you sleep and feel less anxious but they will not address the root issue that causes you to worry.
Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural ways to reduce anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to overcome irrational fears or worries.
Antidepressants
SSRIs which are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a good option for people suffering from anxiety, as they work with the brain to control mood. It could take up to four weeks before they begin working. If the person does not feel better after this time, they should speak to their physician about changing their the medication.
Antidepressants like mirtazapine or nefazodone can be effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective when than older medications like venlafaxine XR. However, it's important to note that these medications can cause a severe reaction in some individuals. If they have this reaction it is recommended that they seek urgent medical attention or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222 for a chat with a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON CALL in Victoria).
MAOIs are an additional type of antidepressant which can be used to treat anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemicals in the brain down to noradrenaline, among others. This causes levels of these chemicals, which have positive effects on mood, to rise. Iampsychiatry are usually reserved for those who do not respond to other antidepressants, however they can be very effective in treating anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants are amongst the most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety. They treat mental and anxiety disorders in a similar way as SSRIs but with less adverse effects. These medications start at a low dose, and their effectiveness increases as the dosage increases. Tricyclics can be effective in treating anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder however they are less likely to aid in treating generalized anxiety disorder.
A newer antidepressant, called buspirone is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but does not cause the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect coordination or memory. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain and decreasing dopamine. The drug is effective for up to 70% of people who take it. When the medication is used longer, the risk of side effects to decrease. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be utilized alongside these medications to enhance the effects.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It's taken by mouth typically twice daily. It is not a controlled drug however there is the potential for abuse.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how buspirone works, but they believe that it decreases the amount of serotonin and its actions in certain regions of the brain. This makes the nervous systems less sensitive to stress and anxiety.
In general, doctors consider buspirone as a drug that is safe for most people. It's generally thought as having a lower degree of toxicity and a lower risk for addiction than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. However, like other medications there are adverse reactions. The most common side effects are dizziness and nausea. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements and other ingredients that you are taking prior to starting buspirone because it could interact with them.
If you're older than 65, your doctor could prescribe a lower dose of buspirone. This is because people who are older tend to respond to drugs differently than younger people do. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
It's also important to inform your doctor if you're taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious side effects by increasing the concentrations of these drugs.
Consult your physician whether you suffer from liver disease, kidney problems, stomach problems, are nursing or pregnant. In these situations, certain medicines, such as SSRIs might not be appropriate for you.
Your doctor may recommend a different treatment if buspirone doesn't work or if you are unable to take it due to a medical condition, or because of an interaction with a different drug. It could be a new type of antidepressant such as Lexapro, Prozac, a beta-blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. The PIL will provide more information about how to take the drug and any possible adverse effects.
Other Medicines
There are other options that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope with anxiety and alter your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, a regular exercise routine, and abstaining from drinking and using drugs. Herbal remedies can aid some sufferers with anxiety-related symptoms. If none of these options work, consult your doctor.
Medications used as an anxiety treatment generally fall into two broad categories: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, or lorazepam, increase the activity of GABA in your brain, which promotes peace. They offer quick relief, but they can also become addictive if they are used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters, which affect your mood.
SSRIs are the most commonly used antidepressants that treat anxiety. They increase the level of serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain, which may improve your mood and make you feel less stressed. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a different antidepressant that stops the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine from your brain. This increases levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, can be used to treat anxiety in people who don't respond to SSRIs.
There are a myriad of other medications that are sometimes 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 is an effective treatment for anxiety however, it shouldn't be your only option you choose to use. Alternative treatments are more effective if you have an underlying cause for your anxiety such as debt, poor diet or an unhealthy relationship. 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.