Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is a common mental illness. Many people use medications to treat their anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medications, including SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, the fluoxetine, and citalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are often the first drugs doctors prescribe for anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters, which influence mood in your brain.
Benzodiazepines
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed occasionally. However, if these feelings persist or interfere with daily life, you may need to seek help from a professional. Medication can be a valuable tool to minimize anxiety symptoms in conjunction with lifestyle changes or psychotherapy. There is no one-size fits all medication for anxiety. The best option for you will depend on your diagnosis and various other factors.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam), are powerful drugs that provide relief from anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, or voice trembling. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and promote relaxation by increasing the activity of the receptors for gamma aminobutyric acid. They are often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder . They can be addictive, and should only be used under medical supervision.
Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs increase the brain's levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is involved in mood along with norepinephrine which is another neurotransmitter that is involved in the body's fight-orflight response. Some people are not able to take these medications and might experience insomnia or nausea. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Other medications, including propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can be used for anxiety that are not on the label particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. These beta blockers are usually used to reduce high blood pressure and heart problems however they can also aid in reducing the anxiety and fear that accompany phobias and panic disorders.
Some anxiety-related symptoms can be relieved by medication for allergies like Vistaril. It blocks certain histamine receptors in the brain, reducing activity in the nervous system. This creates an overall calmness. It is usually used on an as-needed basis to treat anxiety, especially prior to surgery. It's not the first option, however it is an alternative for people who are unable to take benzodiazepines due the risk of dependence or misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health issues and it is easily treated. Often, lifestyle changes are the first step. However, medications can also aid in reducing symptoms. There are a myriad of medications available to help with anxiety, and the one that works best will depend on a patient's diagnosis and medical history as well as treatment goals. In general, newer SSRI antidepressants are the most effective medication for anxiety, but older tricyclic antidepressants may also be effective.
Benzodiazepines are also used to treat anxiety and other symptoms. They are fast-acting and offer relief. They target receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), slowing down the brain's response to stress and promoting a feeling of calm. They are generally employed as a calming medication for transitions but they can also become habit-forming. Therefore they should not be used for a long time. Examples of benzodiazepines include Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Beta-blockers are an additional type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block the action of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline. These hormones play an important role in the body's fight-or flight response. They also increase the levels of serotonin - a chemical messenger which influences mood. Examples of beta-blockers that doctors prescribe to treat 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. It could take a few weeks for these drugs to begin working. Don't be discouraged when results don't appear immediately. The most commonly used SSRIs prescribed for anxiety are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Lexapro).
In some cases the use of antidepressants can cause anxiety to worsen Therefore, they're prescribed as a last resort. In other cases, it's the only treatment that works, particularly when paired with therapy. A psychiatrist is the most qualified person to discuss this issue since they have extensive experience in the management of psychiatric medications. They'll keep in mind the patient's medical history, goals, and tolerance to medication when deciding on the most effective options. They can also provide regular appointments and follow ups to monitor the effectiveness of medication as well as monitor side effects.
Hydroxyzine
The most important aspect of treatment for anxiety disorders is medication but it's not the only method to manage symptoms. A psychiatrist can assist you overcome anxiety by using a variety methods, including psychotherapy. If medication is required, they will recommend an approach that combines different drugs in the proper dosage to obtain the most effective results.
Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of anti-anxiety medicines, including benzodiazepines or SSRIs. They can also prescribe other medication, like SNRIs or atypical antidepressants. These medications can provide long-term relief as well as temporary relief for panic attacks and other serious symptoms.
Hydroxyzine, a antihistamine, can be used to relieve tension and anxiety. It does this by altering the body's levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine, which is not a controlled drug it does not have the same risk of addiction as other medications such as lorazepam or clonazepam. If you combine this medication with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives or narcotics, negative effects can be hazardous.
A doctor can prescribe Hydroxyzine in the form of tablets, syrup, or suspension which should be taken three to every day for a total of four doses. Follow the directions on the prescription and consult your doctor or pharmacist to explain any aspect you aren't sure about. If you're breastfeeding or pregnant, you shouldn't take hydroxyzine because studies on animals have shown that the drug may 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 shaking. People who have breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine since it may dry the mucus in the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Contact your doctor immediately when you are experiencing difficulty breathing. It is also recommended to be careful not to take hydroxyzine when drinking alcohol or with other medications that may cause sleepiness.
Buspirone
Feeling anxious from time to the moment is normal, however anxiety that is unrelenting and causes disruption to your health and life is best addressed by a medical professional. Psychologists have been specially trained to assist those suffering from anxiety issues. They have a range of tools available including medications, cognitive behavior therapy, and other specialized treatment options.
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are usually the first medication a psychiatrist will recommend to a patient living with anxiety. These medications increase your body's natural serotonin levels to help regulate mood, and they have a low risk of causing substance abuse and addiction. They are beneficial in reducing symptoms over the long term and as a complement to other therapies for anxiety relief.
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are powerful drugs that can relieve anxiety immediately. They work by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA which is the brain's chemical slowing it down, and helping you feel more calm. They don't have the same side effects as SSRIs however they can be addictive and can lead to a habit-forming.
Buspirone is an antidepressant which has also been shown to be an effective anxiolytic, but it's often used as a second-line treatment. It's an oral tablet and has a lower side effect risk than other medications. However, it requires several weeks of regular use to experience the full effects, so it's crucial to stick to your medication schedule.
In the end, it's your doctor's choice to prescribe the most effective anxiety medication for you. You should discuss with your doctor your options. They can provide you with the effects of each medication, as well as any side effects. If they have other suggestions for treating your anxiety disorder, they will also be able to give these. You can also take our brief online test and be connected with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.