Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
It is normal to experience anxiety from time to time, but when the symptoms are causing disruption in your daily life it is time to consider the use of medication. Numerous medications are prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety-related disorders.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium target a brain chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acid in order to calm people down. If they are used for too long they may become addictive.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders can be severe mental illnesses that can hinder the ability of a person to perform. The use of medication can help manage symptoms and improve the capacity of a person to perform. There are a variety of medication for anxiety. The most common drug used to treat anxiety is benzodiazepines. These drugs have serious side-effects, so they are usually prescribed for a brief time. Other kinds of medication may be better suited to those who suffer from long-term anxiety disorders, or severe symptoms.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are prescription drugs that reduce brain activity and reduce the functions of the central nervous system through the increase of the neurotransmitter Gammaa-aminobutyric Acid (GABA). They are effective in treating generalized anxieties disorder as well as seizures, insomnia as well as other ailments. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are prescribed to treat short-term anxiety-related symptoms. They are not recommended for long-term use, since they can be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos could cause addiction and serious issues if taken longer than prescribed. They also have the potential of death or overdose particularly when used in conjunction with other drugs which can affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety drugs that don't contain benzodiazepines may be effective at relieving anxiety and improving sleeping patterns. They can take several weeks to become fully effective however, they are more effective when you have chronic (sustained) levels of anxiety than peak levels, like panic attacks. Buspirone is a well-known medication which affects the brain chemicals that regulate mood, is available as a generic drug or a brand-named drug called Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for a lengthy time, your doctor can recommend a tapering-off process to gradually reduce your dosage. This will help to prevent withdrawal and minimize unpleasant adverse side effects such as insomnia, memory issues and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety affects everyone differently However, it can be controlled with medication and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist has a range of tools to assist people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. These medicines alleviate symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of fear, anxiety, and hyperactivity. They also help in improving sleep and concentration. They aren't able to solve anxiety disorders, and it could take a few weeks to see them take full effect.
Doctors prescribe a range of antidepressants as the first choice to treat anxiety disorders, and they are effective in treating the symptoms. SSRIs like citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac) have been widely used to treat anxiety. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR) are also used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs aid in reducing anxiety by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, regulating mood and easing anxiety.
Medications such as antihistamines are also used to treat anxiety disorder and have been proven effective. They can reduce hyperactivity in the brain by blocking certain histamine receptors, which calms the body and the mind. Hydroxyzine is a common brand name for antihistamines which has been used to treat anxiety in a variety of studies.
Benzodiazepines relieve anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. However, benzodiazepines can be addictive and lose their effectiveness after 4 to 8 weeks. They are also not a good choice for long-term use as they can cause serious side effects like dependence and memory impairment. Doctors are not often prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists are equipped with many tools to help manage anxiety. They will take your medical history, diagnosis and preferences into consideration to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. They may suggest psychotherapy, exercise or medication. These medications can help calm fear signals and the fight-or-flight response, making you feel more relaxed. disorders anxiety can lower the heart rate, which could ease a tight feeling in the chest.
There are a variety of anxiety medications, including beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. The benzodiazepines enhance the brain chemical known as gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA) which helps you feel calm. They can become addictive if taken for a long period and trigger withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing the levels of brain chemical serotonin to improve the communication between nerve cells as well as regulate mood. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram (Celexa). SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, extended-release, (Effexor XR) also boost serotonin levels. They also prevent the reuptake norepinephrine which boosts energy.
Propranolol and other beta blockers are effective in blocking adrenaline. This hormone is released when you're anxious or stressed. They can be administered prior to events or situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking or flying, in order to lessen the shaking. They can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety like dizziness and nausea, which are often caused by certain conditions, such as heart disease or migraines.
While these medications can be effective for some but there are a variety of ways you can reduce your anxiety without taking medication. Some of these methods include practicing relaxation and meditation, getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help to reduce your feelings of anxiety. Try to avoid news stories that trigger anxiety, such as those on social media, which are known to cause anxiety in some people. In addition, you can seek out help from an expert in mental health or join an anxiety disorder support group. This can help you to learn coping techniques and connect with other people who have experienced similar issues.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Most people will feel stress or anxiety at some point in their lives. However, when the condition is chronic and affects your daily activities, it's quite different. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist might recommend medication to manage anxiety symptoms. The psychiatrist will consider your medical history, family history and preferences when making the treatment plan. It is possible that you will need to test several drugs before you can find one that is effective for you.
The most common type of anxiety medication is called a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which can be used to treat depression and anxiety. These medications can take up to weeks to work and therefore it is important not to get discouraged if you do not see improvement immediately. They can trigger adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation and diarrhea, however they are generally well tolerated.
The benzodiazepines and antidepressants are also anti-anxiety medications. Benzodiazepines enhance the brain's chemical known as gamma-aminobutryic acids (GABA) to make you feel relaxed. Alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam are examples of benzodiazepines. These drugs can provide instant relief, but they are also associated with a high risk of dependence and withdrawal when used for prolonged periods of time.
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 also produce side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.
Other medications used to combat anxiety are known as beta blockers, which can aid in reducing the heart rate that can be associated with panic attacks and other phobias. Propranolol is by far the most frequently prescribed medication for this purpose. Beta blockers are normally used to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure, however, they have been proven to be effective in reducing the anxiety that can occur in certain situations, such as public speaking or test taking. Some of the side effects of these drugs may include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) as well as drowsiness and bradycardia which can reduce your heart rate to below the normal range. There are also natural remedies to ease your anxiety. Exercise can help ease stress and improve mood by promoting the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. Meditation and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or chamomile tea, can also be beneficial.