Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a very common mental health disorder. Many people use medications to control their anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medication, including SSRIs as well as benzodiazepines, among others.
SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine, as well as SNRIs like venlafaxine are often the first drugs that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact neurotransmitters in your brain that affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Being anxious or stressed from time to time is normal, but when these feelings persist or interfere with your daily life, it may be the time to seek assistance. Alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, medications can be an effective tool to reduce anxiety symptoms. There is no one-size fits all treatment for anxiety. The best choice for you will depend on your medical diagnosis and various other factors.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are quick-acting drugs that can provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms like a rapid heart rate, sweating or trembling voice. Benzodiazepines slow down brain activity and promote relaxation by enhancing the activity of the receptors for gamma aminobutyric acid. They are prescribed for anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety and generalized anxiety. However, they can also be addictive and should be used under medical supervision for short-term use.
Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications increase brain levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood) and norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter associated with the body's fight or flight response). Certain people are unable to tolerate these medications and may experience nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Other medications, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can be prescribed for anxiety off-label especially when combined with antidepressants. These beta blockers are usually employed to decrease blood pressure and heart issues, but they can assist in controlling the feelings of apprehension that are associated with phobias or panic disorders.
The use of allergy medications like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), are also used to relieve some anxiety symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors in the brain, which reduces the amount of activity in the central nervous system, which can lead to an energizing effect. It is prescribed as needed to treat anxiety, particularly prior to surgery. While it isn't a first-choice drug but it is an option for those who cannot take benzodiazepines because of the risk of addiction and misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health issues, and it can be treated. Often, lifestyle changes are the first step. However, medication can also aid in reducing symptoms. There are a myriad of treatments available to treat anxiety, and the one that performs best will depend on a patient's diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals. In general, SSRI antidepressants, which are more recent, are the first choice of treatment for anxiety. However, older tricyclics can also be effective.
Benzodiazepines can be another option and they act very quickly to provide relief for panic attacks and other symptoms. They target receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) slowing down the brain's activity when it is overexcited, and promoting a sense calm. They are generally used to bridge other drugs, and are prone to becoming habit-forming, and they shouldn't be used long in the long run. Examples of benzodiazepines are Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Another form of antidepressant is beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety through reducing the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that play a role in the body's fight or flight reaction. https://anotepad.com/notes/bhg4a6pi increase serotonin levels, a chemical messenger which influences mood. Examples of beta-blockers that doctors prescribe for anxiety include propranolol as well as atenolol.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the medications doctors usually prescribe for anxiety, and they work by impacting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can take several weeks to start working, so it's important to not get discouraged if you don't notice results immediately. Common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Lexapro).
In some instances, antidepressants can worsen anxiety, so they're only prescribed as a last resort. In some instances there is no other treatment option, particularly when they are used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist has extensive training in managing psychiatric medication and is the ideal person to discuss this. They will keep in mind the person's diagnosis, medical history, goals and tolerance to medication when choosing the best options. Psychologists are also able to offer regular appointments and follow ups to monitor the effectiveness of medications and monitor any the effects of medication.
Hydroxyzine
The most important thing to consider is medication. treatment for anxiety disorders, but they're not the only way to manage your symptoms. A psychiatrist can use a variety of techniques, including psychotherapy, to help you cope with your anxiety. If medication is required, they'll recommend a treatment program that blends several drugs and dosages to get the best results.
Psychologists can prescribe a range of anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines and SSRIs. They can prescribe SNRIs or atypical antidepressants. These drugs can provide long-term relief as well as temporary relief for panic attacks, as well as other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms and tension. It works by altering the levels of serotonin and histamine, which can change your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled drug and doesn't carry the risk of addiction as other medications like lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), do. However, if you mix this medication with other drugs that cause drowsiness (such as sedatives and narcotic pain relief), the side effects could be harmful.
A doctor can prescribe hydroxyzine in the form of an oral tablet or syrup to take three or four times per day. It's important to adhere to the directions on the prescription and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any portion you aren't understanding. If you're breastfeeding or pregnant, you shouldn't take hydroxyzine, because studies on animals have shown that the drug can cause harm to the fetus.
Psychiatrists often prescribe hydroxyzine to treat anxiety and panic disorder, which causes feelings of nervousness and dread. It can also cause heart palpitations and trembling. People with breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine as it may dry the mucus in the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. If you have a breathing problem, inform your doctor immediately. Avoid taking hydroxyzine along with alcohol or other drugs that could cause drowsiness.
Buspirone
Being anxious from time time is normal, but anxiety that is unrelenting and causes disruption to your life and health should be treated by an expert medical professional. Psychologists have been specially trained to assist people with anxiety issues. They have a number of tools available to them such as medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments that are specialized.
SSRIs are the first medication a psychiatrist will prescribe to someone suffering from anxiety. These drugs augment your body's natural levels of serotonin to regulate mood and they have a low risk of causing substance abuse and addiction. They are effective for long-term reduction of symptoms and as a follow up to other treatments for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are fast-acting drugs that can relieve anxiety immediately. They work by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in your brain, slowing it down and assisting you to feel at peace. They don't have the same side effects as SSRIs however they can be addictive and create a habit.
Buspirone is an antidepressant. It has also been proven to be an effective anxiolytic. It is most commonly used in second-line treatments. It's an oral tablet and has a lower side effect risk than many other medications. It takes several weeks to see the full effects, so it is essential to stick to your medication schedule.
It's the responsibility of your physician to decide which anxiety medication is the best one for you. You should discuss your options with them and they will be able to explain how each type of medication performs, what its side effects are, and should they have any other suggestions for treating your anxiety disorder. You can also take our short online test and be matched with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.