Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a well-known mental health disorder. Many people use medications to manage their anxiety symptoms. There are different types of medicines, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine as well as SNRIs, such as venlafaxine are often the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter neurotransmitters that affect mood in your brain.
Benzodiazepines
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed from time to time. However when these feelings continue to linger or cause problems in your daily life you might need to seek out professional assistance. The use of medication can be a beneficial instrument to ease anxiety symptoms, along with therapy or lifestyle changes. However, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for anxiety. The best option for you will depend on your specific diagnosis and other factors.
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are fast-acting medications that can provide immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety like a rapid heart rate, sweating or shaking voice. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and induce relaxation by increasing the activity of the receptors for Gamma aminobutyric acids. They are typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder and social anxiety disorders. However, they are addictive and should only be taken 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 boost the levels in the brain of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood) and norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter that is associated with the body's fight or flight response). However, disorders anxiety do not respond well to these drugs and can experience side effects like insomnia or nausea. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Some medications, such as propranolol and atenolol are used off-label to treat anxiety particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Beta blockers are generally used to lower blood pressure and heart problems however they can also aid in reducing anxiety-related feelings that accompany some phobias or panic disorders.
Medications for allergies like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), are also used to relieve some anxiety symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors within the brain to decrease the amount of activity in the central nervous system, which can lead to the calming effect. It is prescribed as needed for anxiety, particularly before surgery. It's not the most preferred choice of medication but it could be a good alternative for those who are unable to use benzodiazepines due danger of dependence or misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders and can be treated. The first step is often changing your lifestyle, but occasionally medication can help with symptoms as well. There are a myriad of treatments available to treat anxiety, and the one that performs best will depend on a person's diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals. In general, newer SSRI antidepressants are the first-choice medication for anxiety, but older tricyclic antidepressants can also perform.
Benzodiazepines are another option, and they can be a great help to ease anxiety attacks and other symptoms. They work by affecting receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which slow down the brain's activity when it's stressed and create a feeling of calm. They are typically used to bridge other drugs, and are prone to becoming habit-forming, and they shouldn't be used for a long term. Examples of benzodiazepines include Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Another type of antidepressant, beta-blockers, are used to treat anxiety by reducing the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that are involved in the body's fight or flight response. They also increase levels of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger that affects mood. Examples of beta-blockers doctors prescribe to treat 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. It can take several weeks for these drugs to begin working. Don't be discouraged when results don't appear immediately. Sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac) and citalopram(Lexapro) are all common SSRIs used to alleviate anxiety.
In certain instances depression medications can exacerbate anxiety, so they're only prescribed as an option last resort. But in others it's the only treatment that works, particularly when paired with therapy. A psychiatrist is the most qualified expert to discuss this because they have extensive experience in psychiatric medication management. 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 schedule regular appointments and follow-ups in order to track the effectiveness of medication as well as monitor side effects.
Hydroxyzine
The cornerstone of treatment for anxiety disorders is medication but it's not the only method to control symptoms. A psychiatrist will employ a variety of tools, such as psychotherapy, to help you cope with anxiety. If you require medication for treatment, they'll suggest a plan that incorporates a variety of dosages and drugs to achieve the most effective results.
Psychiatrists may prescribe a variety of anti-anxiety medicines such as benzodiazepines and SSRIs. They can also prescribe other medications, such as atypical antidepressants and SNRIs. These medications can be utilized as a long-term solution, or to provide short-term relief from panic attacks or other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to relieve anxiety and tension. It does this by altering the body's levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine, which isn't a controlled drug, does not carry the same risk of addiction as other drugs like lorazepam or clonazepam. If you combine this medication with other medications that can cause drowsiness such as sedatives or narcotics, adverse effects could be harmful.
A doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine as an oral tablet or syrup to take three or four times per day. It is essential to follow the directions on your prescription and ask your physician or pharmacist to explain any portion you don't understand. If you're breastfeeding or pregnant it is advised not to take the hydroxyzine drug, as animal studies have proven that the drug may cause harm to fetuses.
Psychiatrists often prescribe hydroxyzine in order to treat anxiety and panic disorder, which causes feelings of nervousness and dread. It can also cause heart palpitations or tremors. Patients with breathing issues should not take hydroxyzine as it can dry the mucus in the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Inform your doctor right away if you have a problem breathing. It is also recommended to avoid taking hydroxyzine in conjunction with alcohol or with other drugs that may cause drowsiness.
Buspirone
Being anxious from time to time is normal, but anxiety that is constant and causes disruption to your health and life should be treated by an expert medical professional. Psychologists have been specially trained to assist those with anxiety problems. They have a variety of tools available, including medications and cognitive behavior therapy and other treatment options that are specialized.
SSRIs are the first drug a psychiatrist will prescribe to a person suffering from anxiety. These drugs augment your body's natural serotonin levels to help regulate mood, and they come with a low risk of substance abuse and addiction. They also work in symptom relief for the long term and as a follow-up treatment to other anxiety-relieving treatments.
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are quick-acting medications that can provide anxiety relief immediately. They work by targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in your brain slowing it down and helping you feel more at peace. As opposed to SSRIs, they don't have the same number of potential negative effects, but they are still addictive and can become 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 most other medicines. However, it takes several weeks of consistent use to see the full effect, so it's vital to stick to your medication regimen.
It is ultimately the responsibility of your physician to decide which medication is the best one for you. You should discuss with your doctor about your options. They will be able to explain the effects of each medication and any side effects. If they have other suggestions for treating your anxiety disorder, they'll also be able to provide these. You can also take our quick online test and be connected with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.