Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder

It is normal to experience anxiety from time to time, but if the symptoms are interfering with your daily routine it is time to consider the use of medication. Doctors prescribe many different treatments for anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) target the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid. It helps people feel calm. They can be addictive if used for too long.

Benzodiazepines

Anxiety disorders are serious mental conditions that can affect the ability of a person to function. Treatment can ease symptoms and improve a person’s ability to function. A variety of anxiety medications are available. However, benzodiazepines are among the most common drugs used to treat anxiety. These drugs can have serious side effects, so they are typically prescribed on a short-term basis. Other types of medications may be more suitable for people who suffer from long-term anxiety disorders, or severe symptoms.

Benzodiazepines or benzos, for short, are prescription medications that slow brain activity and reduce central nervous system functions through stimulating the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA). They are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder as well as insomnia, seizures, and other conditions. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzos are typically prescribed on a short-term basis to treat acute anxiety symptoms. They are not recommended for long-term use because they can be addictive.

The majority of benzos come with an FDA black box warning that they can cause addiction and serious issues when used for longer than prescribed. They also have the potential of death or overdose, especially if taken with other drugs that affect the central nervous system.

Other antianxiety medicines that do not contain benzodiazepines may be effective at decreasing anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It can take a few weeks to become fully effective however they tend to work better when you have chronic (sustained) levels of anxiety, rather than peaks like in panic attacks. Buspirone is a popular medication that affects the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. It is available as both an generic drug and a brand-name product called Buspar.

If you’ve been taking benzodiazepines over a long period of time and your doctor suggests the gradual reduction of dosage. This can prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize undesirable side effects like drowsiness and memory problems.

Antidepressants

Anxiety affects everyone differently however it can be treated through psychotherapy and medication. A psychiatrist has many tools to assist people suffering from anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, as well as beta blockers. These medications treat anxiety symptoms like restlessness, dread and hyperactivity. They can also assist with sleep and concentration. However, these medicines don’t cure anxiety disorders and may take several weeks to reach their full effectiveness.

Antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They can be very effective in reducing symptoms. SSRIs, such as citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac), have been widely employed to treat anxiety. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR) are also widely used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs aid in reducing anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain, regulating mood and easing anxiety.

Antihistamines, for instance, are also used to treat anxiety disorder and have been proven to be effective. They can reduce hyperactivity in the brain by blocking certain histamine receptors, which soothes the body as well as the mind. Hydroxyzine is a common brand name for antihistamines, which has been used to treat anxiety in many studies.

Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and their effectiveness may be diminished after 4-8 weeks. They are not recommended for long-term usage because they could cause serious adverse effects, including memory impairment and dependence. For these reasons, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders.

Beta-blockers

Psychiatrists are equipped with many tools to help manage anxiety. They consider your diagnosis, medical history and preferences into account to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. They may recommend therapy, medication or even exercise. These medications can help calm the anxiety signals and fight or flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They also can lower the heart rate, which can ease an uncomfortable feeling in the chest.

There are a variety of anxiety medication available, including benzodiazepines antidepressants and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines increase the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA) which can help you feel calm. However, they could become addictive if used for long periods of time and trigger withdrawal when they stop. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in increasing the levels of serotonin brain chemical to improve the communication between nerve cells as well as regulate mood. Sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram and Celexa are among the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, extended release (Effexor XR) also boost serotonin levels, but also prevent the reuptake norepinephrine which boosts energy.

Propranolol and other beta blockers are able to block adrenaline. This hormone is released when you are stressed or anxious. They can be taken prior to occasions or events that cause nervousness, such as flying or public speaking to reduce the jitters and tremors. They can be used to reduce anxiety-related symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, which are associated with certain conditions such as migraines or heart disease.

Although these medications work for some people There are many other ways you can lessen anxiety without taking medication. These include learning to relax and meditate, getting enough sleep and working out regularly. Refraining from drinking alcohol and caffeine can help reduce anxiety. You can also try avoiding anxious news stories like those on social media, which are believed to cause anxiety in certain people. You can also seek out help from a mental health professional or join an anxiety support group disorders. This will help you improve your strategies for dealing with anxiety and connect with others who have been through similar situations.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Most people will feel stress or anxiety at some moment in their lives. However when the problem is chronic and affects your daily life, it is a different story. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional may prescribe medication to treat anxiety symptoms. When choosing a treatment plan the psychiatrist will consider your medical history, your family history and your preferences. It is possible that you will need to test a few medications before you discover one that works for you.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) is the most frequently used medication for anxiety. It can help with anxiety or depression. It can take up to several weeks for these drugs to start working, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice improvement right away. They can trigger negative side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation and diarrhea, but they’re generally well-tolerated.

Other types of anti-anxiety drugs include benzodiazepines as well as antidepressants. These drugs increase the activity of GABA, a brain chemical that helps to promote calmness. Alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam are two examples of benzodiazepines. These drugs can provide relief within minutes or hours, but they have the potential for dependence and withdrawal if taken for extended 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 also produce adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.

Beta blockers are a different type of medication that is used to combat anxiety. They can reduce the heart rate that is rapid and is associated with panic attacks or other fears. Propranolol is the most commonly prescribed medication for this. Beta blockers are commonly used to treat irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure, but they have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety feelings that may occur in certain situations, like public speaking or test taking. These drugs can trigger orthostatic hypotension, a decrease in blood pressure while standing up, drowsiness and bradycardia. This can lower your heart rate below the normal range. You can also explore natural remedies to reduce anxiety. Exercise can help ease stress and improve mood by promoting the production of neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Relaxation techniques and meditation, such as deep breathing or chamomile tea can also aid in improving your mood.