The Step-By -Step Guide To Choosing Your Anxiety Disorder Best Medication
Getting the Best Medication For Your Anxiety Disorder
It is normal to experience anxiety at times, but if the symptoms are interfering with your daily routine, then you should consider the use of medication. Doctors prescribe a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) focus on a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid. It helps people feel at peace. If they are used for too long, they can become addictive.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders are serious mental conditions that can affect a person's ability to perform. The use of medication can help manage symptoms and improve the capacity of a person to perform. There are a variety of anxiety medications are available. The most commonly used drug to treat anxiety is benzodiazepines. These medications can cause serious adverse effects, so they are usually prescribed for a brief time. Other types of medications might be better suited to those suffering from severe symptoms or anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, are prescription medicines that reduce brain activity and diminish the central nervous system's functions by stimulating the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA). They are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety, insomnia, seizures and other conditions. Alprazolam (also known as clonazepam), diazep, and lorazepam are examples. Benzos are often prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety-related symptoms. They are not recommended to be used for long-term use because they can be addictive.
The FDA black box warns that benzos may cause addiction and serious issues when taken for longer than prescribed. They also have the potential of death or overdose particularly when combined with other drugs which can affect the central nervous systems.
Other antianxiety medicines that don't contain any benzodiazepines can be effective in decreasing anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It can take up to several weeks for them to be fully effective. However, they're more effective for chronic (sustained levels) of anxiety than panic attacks. Buspirone, a popular medication that affects the brain chemicals that regulate mood, is sold as a generic drug or a brand-named product called Buspar.
If you have been taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, your physician may recommend a tapering-off process to reduce your dosage gradually. This can help you avoid withdrawal and minimize unpleasant side effects, like drowsiness, memory problems and depression and anxiety disorders.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a condition that affects different people however it can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. A psychiatrist has many instruments to aid people suffering from anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. These medications treat anxiety symptoms such as hyperactivity, dread, and restlessness. They can also help with sleeping and concentration. These medications are not able to cure 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 managing the symptoms. SSRIs like citalopram(Celexa), escitalopram(Lexapro), and fluoxetine(Prozac) are widely used to treat anxiety. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR), are also commonly used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs aid in reducing anxiety by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain, which regulates mood and relieving anxiety.
Antihistamines have also been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. They can decrease hyperactivity by blocking certain histamine receptors within the brain, which helps to relax the mind and body. Hydroxyzine, a common antihistamine brand name, is a well-known treatment for anxiety and has been studied to prove its effectiveness.
Benzodiazepines relieve anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. However, benzodiazepines are addictive and cease to be effective after 4 to 8 weeks. They are not recommended for use over a long period of time because they could cause serious side effects, such as dependence and memory impairment. Doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Psychiatrists have a variety of tools in their arsenal to help you manage anxiety. They will take into account your medical history, diagnosis and preferences when determining a treatment plan. They might recommend medication, psychotherapy or even exercise. These medications can reduce anxiety signals and fight or flight reaction, allowing you to feel more relaxed. They can also reduce your heart rate, which can relieve tension in your chest.
There are many types causes of anxiety disorder anxiety medication, including benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. Benzodiazepines increase the brain chemical gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA), which helps you feel calm. They can become addictive when used for a long period of time and trigger withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing levels of the serotonin chemical in the brain 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 hinder the reuptake of norepinephrine that increases energy levels.
Beta blockers, including propranolol, work by blocking adrenaline, a hormone that is released during times of anxiety or stress. They can be used prior to events or situations that trigger nervousness, such as flying or public speaking, to help 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 and heart disease.
Although these medications work for some people There are many other ways you can lessen your anxiety without taking medicine. Some of these techniques include practicing meditation and relaxation techniques as well as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Avoiding drinking and drinking caffeine can help reduce anxiety. You can also avoid anxiety-provoking stories on social media and other news sources. These are known to cause anxiety in some people. Additionally, you can seek out help from a mental health professional or join an anxiety disorder support group. This will help you develop how to cope and connect with other people who have been through similar situations.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Most people will experience anxiety or stress at one point in their lives. However when the condition gets chronic and affects daily life, it is a different story. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist may recommend medication to manage anxiety symptoms. When deciding on a treatment plan, the psychiatrist will consider your medical history, family history and preferences. You may also have to try a variety of medications before you find the one that is right for you.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is the most common anxiety medication. It can aid in the treatment of anxiety or depression. It can take several weeks for these medications to begin working, so don't get discouraged if you don't notice improvement immediately. These medications can cause side-effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and dry mouth. However, they are generally well tolerated.
The benzodiazepines and antidepressants are also anti-anxiety drugs. These drugs increase the activity of GABA which is a brain chemical that helps to promote peace and calm. Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs can offer relief within minutes or hours, but they carry a high risk for addiction and withdrawal when 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 drugs can also cause adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea and drowsiness.
Other medications used to combat anxiety are known as beta blockers. They aid in reducing the heart rate associated with panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. Propranolol is the most frequently prescribed medication for this. Beta blockers are normally used to treat irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure but they have also been shown to be effective in reducing the anxiety that can be experienced in certain situations, like public speaking or test taking. The side effects of these medications may include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing), drowsiness and bradycardia which can reduce your heart rate below the normal range. You can also look into natural remedies for reducing anxiety. Exercise can help ease stress and improve mood through the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. Meditation and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or chamomile tea, can also be beneficial.
