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Greenberg Breen posted an update 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is a very common mental disorder. Medications help many people manage their anxiety symptoms. There are different types of medicines, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, the fluoxetine, and citalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are usually the first medications doctors prescribe for anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters that influence the mood in your brain.
Benzodiazepines
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed at times. However, if these feelings persist or affect your daily routine, you may need to seek professional help. Along with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, medication can be an effective tool to reduce anxiety symptoms. There is no one-size fits all medication for anxiety. The best option for you will depend on your medical diagnosis and various other factors.
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are rapid-acting medicines that can offer immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety like a rapid heart rate, sweating or the voice that is trembling. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and induce relaxation by enhancing the activity of the receptors for Gamma aminobutyric acids. They are often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. They can be addictive, and should only be administered 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 medications increase the levels in the brain of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood), as well as norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter that is associated with the body’s fight or flight response). However certain people don’t react well to these medications and may experience adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Other medications, including propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can be used off-label for anxiety, particularly in combination with antidepressants. These beta blockers are used to manage anxiety and phobias.
Medications for allergies, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is also used to relieve some anxiety 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 typically prescribed on an as-needed basis to treat anxiety, especially prior to surgery. While not a first-choice medication however, it can be a good option for people who are unable to take benzodiazepines due to of the danger of dependence and abuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions and it is easily treated. In most cases, lifestyle changes are the first step. However, medication can also assist in relieving symptoms. There are many medicines that can aid in the treatment of anxiety. The one that is most efficient will depend on the individual’s diagnosis and medical background as well as their treatment goals. In general, more recent SSRI antidepressants are the most effective medication for anxiety, but older tricyclic antidepressants can also work.
Benzodiazepines can be another option and they work quickly to relieve panic attacks and other symptoms. They target receptors for Gamma -aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which slows down the brain’s response to stress, and promoting a sense calm. They are typically used to bridge other drugs, and can be habit-forming, so they shouldn’t be used for a long time. Benzodiazepines can be found in the form of Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax, (alprazolam).
Beta-blockers are a different type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They block the action of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline. These hormones play a part in the body’s fight-or-flight response. They also boost levels of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger that affects mood. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are prescribed by doctors to combat anxiety.
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 start working. Don’t get discouraged if results aren’t immediate. Common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Lexapro).
Antidepressants are only prescribed as a last option in some cases due to the fact that they can cause anxiety. In certain instances it is the only treatment available, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist is trained extensively in psychiatric medications management and is the most qualified person to discuss this. When deciding on the best medication, they’ll take into account the medical history of the patient, diagnosis, goals, and tolerance for medications. They can also provide regular appointments and follow-ups to monitor the effectiveness of medication and also monitor side effects.
Hydroxyzine
Medications are the cornerstone of anxiety disorder treatment, but they’re not the only option to manage your symptoms. A psychiatrist can use many different tools, including psychotherapy to help you deal with anxiety. If medication is needed then they will suggest the use of a treatment plan that incorporates different drugs with the right dosage to get the best results.
The psychiatrist has a wide range of options in the field of anti-anxiety medication which include traditional options such as benzodiazepines as well as SSRIs. They can also prescribe other medications, such as atypical antidepressants and SNRIs. These medications can provide long-term relief or temporary relief for panic attacks and other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, can be used to relieve anxiety and tension. It works by changing the levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and does not pose the danger of addiction like other medications like lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) are known to do. If you mix this drug with other medications that induce drowsiness, like narcotics or sedatives, the adverse effects could be harmful.
A doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine in the form of tablets or syrup that should be taken three or every day for a total of four doses. It is essential to follow the directions on the prescription and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any portion you don’t understand. If you’re pregnant or nursing it is advised not to take the hydroxyzine drug, as studies on animals have shown that the drug may cause harm to fetuses.
Psychiatrists often prescribe hydroxyzine in order to treat anxiety and panic disorder, which causes feelings of anxiety and fear. It can also trigger heart palpitations and trembling. Patients with breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine because it can dry out the mucus and make breathing difficult. If you are experiencing breathing issue, you should consult your physician immediately. It is also recommended to avoid taking hydroxyzine in conjunction with alcohol or other medications that can cause sleepiness.
Being anxious from time to the moment is normal, however anxiety that is persistent and disrupts your health and lifestyle should be addressed by a medical professional. Psychiatrists are specially trained to help sufferers of anxiety disorders. They have a variety of tools at their disposal including medications and cognitive behavior therapy and other specialized treatment options.
SSRIs are the first prescription a psychiatrist will prescribe to someone suffering from anxiety. They can help regulate mood by boosting your body’s serotonin levels. They also have a low dependency and abuse risk. They also work for both long-term symptom relief as well as a follow-up to other treatments for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are fast-acting medications that provide instant anxiety relief. They slow down the gamma aminobutyric (GABA) in your brain and help you feel at peace. Unlike SSRIs, they don’t have as many possible side effects, but they are still addictive and may become habit-forming.
Buspirone is an antidepressant that has also been proven to be an effective anxiolytic, but it’s often used as a last-line treatment. It is available as an oral tablet, and has a lower chance of side effects than other drugs. However, it takes several weeks of regular use to experience the full effect, so it’s important to stick to your prescribed schedule.
It’s up to your doctor to determine which medication for anxiety is the best one for you. It is important to discuss your options with them, and they will be able to explain how each type of medication is used, what the adverse effects are, and if they have any other suggestions 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.