Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a very common mental health disorder. Many people take medications to treat their anxiety symptoms. There are many types of medicines, such as SSRIs, benzodiazepines and others.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, citlopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline) 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 occasionally. However when these feelings last or affect your daily routine it is possible to seek out professional assistance. Along with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, medication can be a useful tool to reduce anxiety symptoms. There isn't a one-size-fits all medication for anxiety. The best option for you will be based on your diagnosis and various other factors.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are rapid-acting medicines that can offer immediate relief from anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating or trembling voice. Benzodiazepines reduce brain activity and encourage relaxation by enhancing the activity of the receptors for Gamma aminobutyric acids. They are typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder , and social anxiety disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications boost the levels of brain serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood) and norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter that is associated with the body's fight or flight response). Some people aren't able to tolerate these drugs and may experience nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Other medications, such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can be used off-label for anxiety, particularly in combination with antidepressants. These beta blockers are usually used to lower blood pressure and heart problems However, they can also assist in controlling anxiety-related feelings that are associated with phobias or panic disorders.
The use of allergy medications, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) and others, are also used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors in the brain, which reduces excessive activity in the central nervous system, resulting in the calming effect. It is prescribed as needed for anxiety, especially before surgery. It is not the first medication option but it could be an option for those who cannot take benzodiazepines due to the danger of addiction or misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a fairly common mental health issue and it's highly treatable. The first step is usually lifestyle changes, but sometimes medication can ease symptoms too. There are many medications that can ease anxiety. The one that is most efficient will depend on the person's diagnosis and medical history as well as treatment goals. In general, SSRI antidepressants, which are more recent, are the first option for treating anxiety. However, tricyclics that are older are also effective.
Benzodiazepines can be employed to ease anxiety and other symptoms. They are fast-acting and provide relief. They work by targeting receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slow down the brain's response to stress and create a feeling of calm. They are usually used as a bridge to other medicines, and they are prone to becoming habit-forming, and they shouldn't be used for a long term. Examples of benzodiazepines are Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Beta-blockers are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block the actions of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline. These hormones play a part in the body's fight-or flight response. They also increase serotonin levels - an important chemical messenger that affects mood. Examples of beta-blockers that doctors prescribe for anxiety include atenolol and propranolol.
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 medications can take a few weeks to start working so it's important to not get discouraged if you don't notice immediate results. The most common SSRIs that are prescribed for anxiety include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Lexapro).
In some cases, antidepressants can worsen anxiety and are therefore prescribed as an alternative. In some cases, antidepressants are the only treatment available, particularly when combined with therapy. A psychiatrist is the most qualified professional to discuss this since they are trained extensively in the management of psychiatric medications. When choosing the best medication, they'll consider the person's medical history and diagnosis, as well as goals and tolerance to medications. disorders anxiety are also able to schedule regular appointments and follow ups to evaluate the effectiveness of medication and also monitor adverse effects.
Hydroxyzine
Medications are the cornerstone of treatment for anxiety disorders but they're not the only way to control your symptoms. A psychiatrist can assist you manage anxiety with various tools, such as psychotherapy. If medications are necessary, they'll recommend a treatment program that blends several dosages and drugs to achieve the best results.
Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines or SSRIs. They may also prescribe SNRIs, or atypical Antidepressants. These medications can be used for long-term solutions or to provide temporary relief from panic attacks and other serious symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine and can be used to ease tension and anxiety. It works by altering the levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and doesn't carry the risk of addiction that other medications, such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) are known to do. However, if you combine this medication in conjunction with other medications that induce drowsiness (such as narcotic pain relievers or sedatives), the side effects could be hazardous.
A doctor can prescribe hydroxyzine in the form of tablets, syrup, or suspension that is to be taken three or daily, at least four times. Follow the instructions on the prescription and consult your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you aren't understanding. If you're breastfeeding or pregnant, you shouldn't take hydroxyzine because animal studies have proven that the drug may cause harm to the fetus.
Psychiatrists often prescribe hydroxyzine to treat anxiety, a condition that causes feelings of nervousness and dread. It can also lead to heart palpitations and shaking. People who have breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine because it can dry the mucus in the lungs and make breathing difficult. If you suffer from a breathing problem, you should tell your doctor right away. Avoid taking hydroxyzine with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness.
Buspirone
Feeling anxious from time to moment is normal, but anxiety that is persistent and disrupts your health and lifestyle is best addressed by a medical professional. Psychiatrists are specially trained to assist those struggling with anxiety disorders. They have a range of tools at their disposal including medications, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other treatments for anxiety disorders.
SSRIs are the first medication a psychiatrist will prescribe to someone with anxiety. These medications increase your body's natural levels of serotonin to help regulate mood and they are also low risk of substance abuse and addiction. They are also effective in the long-term relief of symptoms and as a follow-up to other treatments to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Valium (diazepam) are fast-acting medications that can provide immediate anxiety relief. They reduce the gamma aminobutyric (GABA) in your brain and help you feel at peace. Unlike SSRIs, they don't have the same number of potential adverse effects, however they are still addictive and could become habit-forming.
Buspirone, an antidepressant, has also been demonstrated to be an effective anxiolytic. It is typically employed in second-line treatments. It's available as a tablet for oral consumption, and has a lower chance of side effects than most other drugs. However, it takes several weeks of regular usage to fully experience the effects, so it's crucial to adhere to your medication schedule.
It's ultimately up to your doctor to decide which anxiety medication is right for you. You should discuss your options with them and they can explain how each type of medication works, what the adverse effects are, and if they have any other recommendations for treating your anxiety disorder. You can also take our quick online test and be an appointment with a psychiatrist that is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.