Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
It is normal to experience anxiety at times, but If the symptoms are causing problems with your daily routine it is time to consider medication. Doctors prescribe a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium target a brain chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acids in order to help people relax. They can be addictive when used for a long time.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders can be serious mental disorders that can impact a person's ability to perform. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve a person's performance. Many different types of anxiety medication are available. The most common drug used to treat anxiety is benzodiazepines. These medications can cause serious adverse effects, so they are usually prescribed for only a brief time. Other kinds of medications may be more appropriate for those with severe symptoms or long-term anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos for short, are prescription medications that slow brain activity and diminish central nervous system functions through stimulating the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA). They are effective in treating generalized anxieties disorder and seizures, insomnia, and other conditions. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), the clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are typically prescribed for short-term use for the relief of acute anxiety symptoms. They are not recommended for long-term use because they may be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos could cause addiction and serious issues if taken longer than prescribed. They also carry the risk of overdose and death, especially when taken together with other medications that can affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety drugs that do not contain benzodiazepines may be effective at decreasing anxiety and improving sleep patterns. They can take several weeks to become fully effective however they are more effective with chronic (sustained) levels of anxiety than peak levels, such as in panic attacks. Buspirone is a very well-known drug that affects the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and is available as both generic drugs and a brand-name drug known as Buspar.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines for for a long time your doctor might suggest an gradual reduction in dosage. This will help to prevent withdrawal and reduce unpleasant side effects, like insomnia, memory issues and depression.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a disorder that affects different people However, it can be controlled by utilizing psychotherapy and medications. A psychiatrist has many tools to assist people suffering from anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. These medications treat anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, dread and hyperactivity. They also aid with sleep and concentration. These medications are not able to treat anxiety disorders, and it may take some time for them to have their full effect.
Doctors prescribe a variety of antidepressants as the first-choice medicines to treat anxiety disorders, and they are effective in treating the symptoms. SSRIs, such as citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac), have been extensively employed to treat anxiety. Similar to that, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also frequently used for anxiety. The SNRIs reduce anxiety by increasing the 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 hyperactivity in the brain by blocking certain histamine-receptors which soothes the body as well as the mind. Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine that is a popular brand name, is a well-known treatment for anxiety and has been tested in studies to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety in 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and their effectiveness can decrease after 4 to 8 week. They are not recommended for use over a long period of time because they could cause serious side effects, such as memory impairment and dependence. Because of this, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists have many tools in their arsenal to help you manage anxiety. They consider your diagnosis, medical background and preferences when determining an appropriate treatment plan. They may suggest medication, psychotherapy or even exercise. These medications can help calm the fear signals and fight-or-flight reaction to make you more relaxed. They can also lower your heart rate, which can relieve a tight feeling in the chest.
There are many kinds of anxiety medication, including beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. The benzodiazepines enhance the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA) which makes you feel calm. They can become addictive when taken for a long period and trigger withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing the levels of the serotonin chemical in the brain to enhance the communication between nerve cells as well as regulate mood. The most commonly prescribed SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram (Celexa). SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, extended-release, (Effexor XR) also boost serotonin levels, and stop the reuptake of norepinephrine, which increases energy levels.
Propranolol, along with other beta blockers, are able to block adrenaline. This hormone is released when you are stressed or anxious. They can be used prior to situations or events that cause anxiety, like public speaking, or while flying to reduce tremors. They can also be utilized to decrease anxiety-related symptoms, such as nausea and headaches, which are associated with certain illnesses such as migraines or heart disease.
There are many ways to reduce anxiety without medication. These include practicing relaxation and mediation techniques in addition to getting enough rest and exercising regularly. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help to reduce your anxiety. Try to avoid what causes anxiety disorders -provoking news stories, such as those on social media, which have been known to trigger anxiety in some people. You can also seek help from a mental healthcare professional or join an anxiety support group disorders. This can help you to develop coping strategies and meet with people who have similar experiences.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Many people feel anxious or stress at some time, but it is a different story when it's chronic and causes problems with daily life. A mental health professional like psychiatrists may suggest medication to ease anxiety symptoms. The psychiatrist will take into consideration your medical history, family history and preferences when making an appropriate treatment plan. You may have to test a couple of drugs before you can find one that works for you.
The most popular type of anxiety medication is known as a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It could take several weeks for these medications to start working, so don't become discouraged if you don't see improvement immediately. These medications can cause side-effects like constipation, diarrhea or dry mouth. However, they are generally well tolerated.
Other types of anti-anxiety drugs include benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines increase the activity of GABA which is a brain chemical that helps to promote tranquility. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These medications can provide instant relief, but they can also be associated with a higher rate 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 drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.
Other medications used to treat anxiety are called beta blockers, which can help slow down the heart rate associated with panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. Propranolol is the most commonly prescribed medication for this purpose. Beta blockers are commonly used to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure but they have also been shown to be effective in reducing the anxiety feelings that may be experienced in certain situations, such as public speaking or taking tests. These drugs can trigger orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up, drowsiness and bradycardia. This can lower your heart rate below the normal range. You can also look into natural remedies for reducing anxiety. Exercise can reduce stress and improve mood through the release of neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Meditation and relaxation techniques like deep breathing or chamomile tea, can also help.