Medications For Anxiety Disorders
Many medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Some examples are benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Speak to your doctor about which medications are best for you.
SSRIs and SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone) and boost levels of it in the brain, which helps reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants
If your anxiety causes serious issues in your daily life, a medical professional who is specialized in mental health (psychiatrist) might recommend medication. There are many different kinds of antidepressants that are used to treat anxiety disorders. Consult your physician regarding possible negative side effects, risks and benefits of each type.
The most popular choice for treating anxiety is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that include paroxetine and fluoxetine, as well as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. They have a positive risk/benefit ratio and have minimal adverse effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that may be effective. SSRIs can cause anxiolytic effects within two to four weeks, but side effects are usually milder than with other antidepressants.
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause more serious side-effects, and are therefore less commonly prescribed. However, certain medications in this class, like amitriptyline (Elavil) nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Clomipramine (Cadorax), can be effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidese A (MAOIs) are also rarely prescribed today because of their high risk of serious side effects, but can help with certain forms of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Anxivan).
Antidepressants can't be the only medication to treat anxiety. Other medications that can be used to treat anxiety include beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can provide immediate relief, but can pose significant risks. They should only be taken for short durations.
Psychotherapy is more effective than medications in treating anxiety disorders. A psychologist or psychiatrist can provide you with techniques that can reduce your symptoms and assist you find ways to cope with anxiety. You can manage anxiety by keeping a journal as well as learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, making dietary changes and exercising more and joining a support group for anxiety, and implementing other strategies.
You can improve your health by following your treatment plan and going to therapy regularly. Do not give up even if you have a bad day. If you are taking medication, keep your appointments with your doctor and don't stop taking your medication.
Beta-blockers
Beta blockers can be a solution for those who suffer from physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweaty hands or chest tightness. Although these medications are usually prescribed for heart problems however, they have also been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. They work by blocking receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone that causes stress) binds to, stopping it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast to antidepressants beta blockers don't affect serotonin levels, but rather slow the heart rate, which helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Propranolol (also known as atenolol), Proprano Inderal are some examples. Hydroxyzine (Atarax and Vistaril) is another option to treat phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. These medications are typically taken on a need-to-know basis and are not recommended for long-term use.
Patients who are prescribed these medicines should discuss any possible side effects with their physician. They should also speak with their doctor prior to taking these drugs if they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some beta-blockers may cause dangerously low blood pressure levels and can cause an increase in Raynaud syndrome symptoms in people who have it.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health is trained to evaluate and treat anxiety. They can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication as along with other treatments. A psychiatrist can be particularly helpful for those with extreme anxiety, who are unable to cope with medication and are ashamed of seeking treatment. A psychiatrist will take into consideration a patient's medical history as well as their preferences and other aspects to determine the most effective medication. They will also make sure to track a patient's progress over time, and also any potential side effects and alter dosages to suit. They also address any other concerns that a patient might have including sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. While a person can take anxiety medications on their own, it is best to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. It is crucial to remember that medications only dull or relieves anxiety, and it can make a person dependent on the medication.
Psychotherapy
Treatment for anxiety disorders can be achieved using a variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential element of any treatment plan to treat anxiety disorders. Other types of therapy are interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and exposure therapy. All of these techniques can be effective in helping people manage their anxiety.
Psychiatrists and psychologists at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates and its Mood Disorders Consultation Service are specially trained in treating anxiety disorders. They might suggest a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help you overcome your anxieties.
Anxiety can be debilitating, making it difficult to complete daily tasks. It can also cause physical issues like heart palpitations and stomach upset. It can also make it difficult to concentrate. what causes anxiety disorders will not only address the symptoms, but also help you deal with the challenges.
The first class of medications for anxiety disorders is antidepressants. The medications of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (SNRI) are a good choice, as they have less adverse effects than older antidepressants like tricyclics, are the most commonly used. These medications, which can take up to six weeks to reach their full effectiveness, are frequently used to treat depression that is underlying as well.
Other medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety include sedatives, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), which promote muscle relaxation. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms like nausea, sweating, trembling and breathing problems. In some instances, doctors might prescribe an antihistamine, such as hydroxyzine or Atarax, or Vistaril, for allergies that can cause anxiety symptoms.
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is an essential element of any anxiety-treatment program. Your therapist will teach you to identify the negative distortions and irrational expectations in your anxious thoughts and replace them with realistic calm and soothing statements. Your therapist will teach you how to deal with the situations that trigger your anxiety instead of avoiding them, so you increase your confidence.
Other medicines
Anxiety is a very common condition which has many treatments. Certain people find that medication can help reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other methods and treatments. Some types of medications used to combat anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and buspirone.
Antidepressants are often used as a first line drug treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. The medications in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically prescribed, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that can boost your mood and ease anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, like diazepam, can be used for temporary relief from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They work in a matter of minutes to reduce a person's reaction to stress by increasing the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They also help to reduce rapid heart rate, sweating, and shaking. Benzodiazepines are addictive and shouldn't be used for longer than 4 weeks.
Beta blockers, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) are beneficial to people suffering from phobia or a panic disorder by helping to control their heart rate. They also block the effects of norepinephrine, an hormone that is involved in the fight or flight response. These medicines can be taken on a regular basis to manage anxiety.
Buspirone is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is linked to GABA and helps to soothe the nervous system and is often prescribed for phobias or a sensitization to light and noise. It is frequently used to treat sleep problems.
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy is a different effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally considered the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This therapy method teaches you to change your thinking patterns and develop new skills to cope with anxiety. It involves exposure therapy, in which you gradually encounter objects or situations that cause anxiety, and you increase your confidence in your ability to overcome these fears.