Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a well-known mental health disorder. The use of medications can help many people manage their anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medicines, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are usually the first medications doctors prescribe for anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters that influence the mood of your brain.
Benzodiazepines
It is normal to feel stressed or anxious at times. However when these feelings last or interfere with daily life, you may need to seek professional help. The use of medication can be a beneficial instrument to ease anxiety symptoms alongside lifestyle changes or psychotherapy. But, there isn't a one-size-fits-all medication for anxiety; the best option for you will depend on your specific diagnosis and other aspects.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam) are quick-acting medications that provide relief from anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, or trembling voices. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and encourage relaxation by enhancing the activity of the receptors for the gamma aminobutyric acid. They are frequently prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. 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 drugs boost brain levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is involved in mood, as well as norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter in the body's fight or flight response. However, some people do not respond well to these medications and can experience side effects like nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Some medications, such as propranolol and atenolol, are used off-label for treating anxiety, especially when used in conjunction with antidepressants. These beta blockers can be used to manage anxiety and phobias.
Medications for allergies, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), are also used to relieve some anxiety-related symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors within the brain, reducing excessive activity in the nervous system. This creates a calming affect. It is prescribed as needed for anxiety, especially before surgery. It's not the first medication option but it could be an option for those who are not able to take benzodiazepines due the risk of addiction or misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a very common mental health issue, and it's highly treatable. The first step is often lifestyle changes, however sometimes medication can ease symptoms as well. There are a myriad of medications that can help treat anxiety, and the one that works best will depend on a person's diagnosis and medical history as well as treatment goals. In general, SSRI antidepressants, which are newer, are the first option for treating anxiety. However, tricyclics that are older can also be effective.
Benzodiazepines can be another option and they can be a great help to provide relief for panic attacks and other signs. They target receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which slow down the brain's activity when it's stressed and promote a sense of calm. They are typically employed as a bridge to other drugs, and can be habit-forming, so they shouldn't be used for a long in the long run. Benzodiazepines can be found in the form of Klonopin (clonazepam), and Xanax, (alprazolam).
Another kind of antidepressant, beta-blockers, are used to treat anxiety through reducing the actions of noradrenaline and adrenaline hormones that are involved in the body's fight or flight response. They also increase the levels of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger that influences mood. Examples of beta-blockers doctors prescribe for anxiety are 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. It may take several weeks for these medications to start working. Don't get discouraged if the results aren't immediately apparent. Sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac) and citalopram(Lexapro) are the most commonly used SSRIs used to treat anxiety.
Antidepressants are used as a last option in some cases because they can worsen anxiety. In certain instances there is no other treatment available, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist has a lot of experience in psychiatric medications management and is the most qualified person to discuss this. When deciding on the right medication, they'll take into account a person's medical history the diagnosis, goals, and tolerance to medication. They can also provide regular appointments and follow ups to evaluate the effectiveness of medication and also monitor side effects.
Hydroxyzine
The cornerstone of treatment for anxiety disorder s is medication, but it's not the only option to control symptoms. A psychiatrist can assist you cope with anxiety using a variety tools, such as psychotherapy. If medication is needed then they will suggest a treatment plan combining several different drugs in the proper dosage to achieve the best results.
Psychologists can prescribe a range of anti-anxiety medicines that include benzodiazepines as well as SSRIs. They can prescribe SNRIs, or atypical Antidepressants. These medications can be used for long-term solutions or to provide short-term relief from panic attacks or other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, is a medication that can help relieve anxiety and tension. It works by altering the body's level of serotonin as well as histamine, which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine, which isn't a controlled substance, does not carry the same addiction risk as other medications such as lorazepam or clonazepam. If you mix this drug with other medications that can cause drowsiness such as narcotics or sedatives, the adverse effects could be harmful.
A doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine as an oral tablet, syrup or suspension to take three or four times a day. It is important to follow the directions on the prescription and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any aspect that you aren't sure about. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding it is advised not to take the hydroxyzine drug, as animal studies have shown that the drug can cause fetal harm.
Psychiatrists prescribe hydroxyzine to treat anxiety, a condition that can cause feelings of nervousness and fear. It can also cause heart palpitations and trembling. People with breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine because it may dry the mucus in the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a problem breathing. You should also avoid taking hydroxyzine with alcohol or other medications that can cause sleepiness.
Buspirone
Feeling anxious from time to moment is normal, but anxiety that is constant and disrupts your health and lifestyle should be treated by a medical professional. Psychologists are specially trained to help people suffering from anxiety disorders. They have many tools available including medications as well as cognitive behavior therapy and other treatment options that are specialized.
SSRIs are the first prescription a psychiatrist will prescribe to someone suffering from anxiety. These drugs augment your body's natural levels of serotonin to help regulate mood, and they have a low risk of causing substance abuse and addiction. They also work in symptom relief for the long term as well as a follow-up to other treatments to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Valium (diazepam) are quick-acting drugs that can provide immediate relief from anxiety. They work by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid, also known as GABA, in your brain, slowing it down and helping you feel more 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 which has also been proven to be a potent anxiolytic, but it's often used as a last-line treatment. It's an oral tablet and has a lower risk than most other drugs. However, it takes a few weeks of regular use to experience the full effect, so it's important to stick to your medication regimen.
In the end, it's your doctor's choice to prescribe the best anxiety medication for you. It is important to discuss with your doctor the options available. They can provide you with the effects of each medication and any side effects. If they have other suggestions to treat your anxiety disorder, they'll also be able provide them. You can also take our quick online test and be connected with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.