Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
Being anxious from time the same time is normal. However, if your symptoms are interfering with your daily routine, you should consider the use of medication. Doctors prescribe a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders.Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium target a brain chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acids in order to help people relax. They can be addictive if used for too long.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders are serious mental health problems that can interfere with a person's quality of life. Medicines can be used to reduce symptoms and increase the capacity of a person to perform. Many different types of anxiety medications are available. However, benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat anxiety. These drugs can cause serious side effects, and they are typically prescribed for short-term use. Other types of medication may be more appropriate for those suffering from severe symptoms or anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines or benzos, for short, are prescription medicines that reduce brain activity and reduce central nervous system functions by enhancing the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder and seizures, insomnia, and other conditions. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety-related symptoms. They are not recommended for long-term use since they can be addictive.
The majority of benzos have an FDA black box warning that they could cause addiction and serious problems when used for longer than prescribed. They also run the risk of death and overdose, especially when taken alongside other drugs that affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety medications that do not contain benzodiazepines may be effective in relieving anxiety and improving sleep patterns. They may take several weeks to become fully efficient however, they tend to work better with chronic (sustained) levels of anxiety than peaks, such as in panic attacks. Buspirone, a popular medication which affects brain chemicals that regulate mood, is available as generic drugs or a brand-named product known as Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for a lengthy period of time, your doctor may recommend a tapering-off method to gradually reduce your dosage. This can help to prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize undesirable side effects like sleepiness and memory problems.
Antidepressants
Anxiety affects everyone differently However, it can be controlled through psychotherapy and medication. A psychiatrist has a range of tools to help people with anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. These drugs treat symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of dread, restlessness and hyperactivity, and can aid in achieving sleep and concentration. These medications are not able to solve anxiety disorders, and it may take a few weeks for them to have their full effect.
Antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They can be extremely efficient in reducing symptoms. SSRIs like citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac) have been widely employed to treat anxiety. Similar to that, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also widely used for anxiety. The SNRIs reduce anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine as well as mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.
Antihistamines are also proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. They can reduce hyperactivity by blocking certain histamine receptors within the brain, helping to calm the body and mind. Hydroxyzine is the most well-known brand name for antihistamines which have been used to treat anxiety in numerous studies.
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as emergency medicines to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and they are known to relieve anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are addictive and their effectiveness could decrease after 4 to 8 weeks. They are not the best choice for long-term use since they can have serious side effects like dependence and memory impairment. Because of this, doctors do not prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists are equipped with many tools to help manage anxiety. They consider your diagnosis, medical background and preferences when determining a treatment plan. They might recommend therapy, medication or exercise. These medications can help calm the fear signals and fight-or-flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They can also reduce the heart rate, which can relieve tension in your chest.
There are a variety of anxiety medications available, such as benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. The benzodiazepines enhance the brain chemical gamma-aminobutryic acids (GABA) and help you feel calm. They can be addictive if used for a long period of time, and cause withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing serotonin, a chemical in the brain, to improve communication between neurons and regulate mood. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa). SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, extended-release, (Effexor XR) also boost serotonin levels, and stop the reuptake of norepinephrine, which enhances energy.
Beta blockers, including propranolol work by blocking adrenaline, a hormone which releases during times of stress or anxiety. They can be taken prior to occasions or events that cause anxiety, like flying or speaking in public, to help reduce the jitters and tremors. They can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms like dizziness and nausea that are that are associated with certain ailments, such as heart disease or migraines.
While these medications are effective for some but there are a variety of ways you can lessen your anxiety without using medication. These techniques include learning relaxation and mediation practices, getting enough sleep and working out regularly. Avoiding caffeine and drinking alcohol can reduce anxiety. It is also possible to avoid anxiety-provoking news stories like those on social media, which are believed to cause anxiety in certain people. In addition, you can try seeking help from an expert in mental health, or join an anxiety and Panic disorder disorder support group. This can help you to develop coping strategies and connect with others who have similar experiences.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
The majority of people suffer from stress or anxiety at some moment in their lives. However when the problem gets chronic and affects daily life, it is quite different. A psychiatrist or another mental health professional may prescribe medication to treat anxiety symptoms. When deciding on a treatment plan, the psychiatrist will take into account your medical history, family history, and your preferences. You may have to test a few medications before you discover one that is effective for you.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) is the most commonly used anxiety medication. It can aid in the treatment of anxiety or depression. These medications can take a few weeks to work and therefore it is important not to become discouraged if you don't see an improvement in your mood immediately. They can cause negative side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation and diarrhea, however they are generally well tolerated.
Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are also anti-anxiety medications. Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of a brain chemical known as gamma-aminobutryic acids (GABA) to help you feel relaxed. Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs can provide instant relief, but they can also be associated with a high rate of dependence and withdrawal when taken for long periods.
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 drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Beta blockers are another type of medication that is used to combat anxiety. They can reduce the heart rate speed that is associated with panic attacks and other phobias. Propranolol is the most frequently prescribed medication for this purpose. 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 a public speech or taking tests. These drugs can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure while standing up, drowsiness, and bradycardia. This may lower your heart rate to a lower range. You can also try natural remedies to relieve anxiety. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood, by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Relaxation techniques and meditation like deep breathing or chamomile tea, can also aid in improving your mood.