Medications For Anxiety Disorders

There are many medications that can be used to manage anxiety disorders. Examples include the benzodiazepines (benzodiazepine), beta blockers (beta blockers) and antidepressants. Speak to your doctor about what medications are right for you.

SSRIs and SNRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain and prevent its reuptake (a hormone or neurotransmitter). This can help reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants

If anxiety is causing significant issues in your life A psychiatrist (medical doctor who specializes on mental health) may prescribe medication. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your physician about the advantages, risks and possible side effects of each type of drug.

The first choice of medication for anxiety is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and citlopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft). They have a favorable benefit-risk ratio, and have a few negative side effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that can also be effective. SSRIs can cause anxiolytic reactions within two to four weeks, but adverse effects are generally less than with other antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants have more dangerous side-effects, and are therefore not as frequently prescribed. However, certain medications in this class, including amitriptyline (Elavil) nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Clomipramine (Cadorax) are effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidese A (MAOIs) are seldom prescribed due to their risk of serious adverse effects, but they can be beneficial with certain types of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Anxivan).

Antidepressants aren’t the only medication that helps with anxiety. Beta-blockers and other medications can be used to treat anxiousness. Benzodiazepines work quickly and provide immediate relief, but they carry serious dangers and should only be used for brief durations of time.

Psychotherapy is more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications. Your psychiatrist or psychologist can help you develop strategies to alleviate your symptoms and help you discover ways to deal with them. Some strategies to manage your anxiety include keeping a diary as well as learning relaxation techniques, doing breathing exercises, making changes to your diet as well as joining an anxiety support group.

You can make a difference by adhering to your treatment plan and attending therapy regularly. Even if you’re having bad days, try not to give your hope. Make sure to keep your regular doctor’s appointments and do not stop taking your medication if taking medication.

Beta-blockers

For those who experience physical manifestations of anxiety, such as a pounding heart sweaty palms or a tight chest, beta blockers could be an option. Although these medications are usually prescribed for heart problems, they have also shown to be effective in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. They work by blocking receptors that adrenaline (the stress hormone) binds to in the body, which prevents it from performing its function of increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Beta blockers, unlike antidepressants do not alter serotonin levels, they instead slow the heart rate. This can alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine, sometimes referred to Atarax or Vistaril, is an alternative to treat anxiety and phobia disorders. These drugs are usually taken on a need-to-know basis and are not recommended for long-term use.

Anyone who is prescribed these medicines should discuss any possible side effects with their doctor. If you are nursing or pregnant, it is important to consult your doctor before taking these medicines. Certain beta-blockers can cause dangerously low blood pressure levels and may worsen Raynaud syndrome symptoms in those who suffer from it.

A psychiatrist, medical doctor who specializes in mental health, is trained to assess and treat anxiety. They can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication as along with other treatments. A psychiatrist can be especially beneficial for those suffering from severe anxiety who are having difficulty coping without medication, and who often feel ashamed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will take into consideration the medical history of the patient and preferences, as well as other aspects to determine the most effective medication. They also make sure to keep track of a patient’s health over time, as well as any potential side effects and can alter dosages to suit. They will also discuss any other concerns that a patient might face such as sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. It is recommended to mix anxiety medications with psychotherapy or other treatments. Remember that medication only dulls or lessens anxiety, and could make a patient dependent on it.

Psychotherapy

A variety of psychotherapy methods can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential component of any treatment plan designed to treat anxiety disorders. Other types of therapy are psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy and exposure therapy. All of these techniques are effective in helping individuals manage their anxiety.

Psychologists and psychiatrists from NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates and its Mood Disorders Consultation Service are specially trained in treating anxiety disorders. They can recommend a mix of psychotherapy and medication to help you overcome your fears.

Anxiety can be debilitating and make every day tasks difficult to complete. It can also trigger several physical ailments, such as stomach upset, heart palpitations, insomnia, and trouble in concentrating. Your therapist will not only treat the symptoms, but will also help you deal with the challenges.

Antidepressants are the initial line of medication for anxiety disorders. The medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically preferred because they have less negative side effects than the older antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs, which require four to six weeks to achieve full effectiveness, are frequently used to treat underlying depression as well.

Other medicines for anxiety include muscle relaxants, such as diazepam and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms like nausea, sweating, trembling and breathing difficulties. In certain instances, doctors may prescribe an antihistamine like hydroxyzine, Atarax, or Vistaril, for allergies that trigger anxiety symptoms.

Talk therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy, is a vital component of any anxiety-treatment plan. Your therapist can teach you to recognize the negative distortions and irrational predictions in your anxiety-related thoughts and replace them with more realistic calm and soothing statements. Your therapist can also teach you to confront the circumstances that trigger anxiety instead of avoiding them so that you gain confidence in your ability to manage these issues.

Other medication

Anxiety disorders are a common disorder that offers a variety of treatment options. Certain individuals find that medications can help reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other techniques and therapies. Antidepressants are one of the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

Antidepressants can be prescribed as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder . Treatments that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually prescribed, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications boost the levels of certain brain chemicals that boost your mood and ease anxiety.

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be used to treat extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They work within minutes to reduce the response to stress by enhancing the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and the brain. They can also decrease a rapid heart rate, sweating and shaking. They are highly addictive and should not be used for more than 4 weeks.

Beta blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin), can be beneficial to people suffering from phobia or a panic disorder by helping to control their heart rate. They also work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine an hormone that is involved in the fight or flight response. These medicines can be used on a long-term basis to control anxiety.

Buspirone is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the body and is related to GABA and helps to soothe the nervous system and is commonly prescribed to treat phobias or sensitivity to noise and light. It is commonly used to help with sleep disorders.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a different treatment option for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually thought of as the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This therapy method teaches you to alter your thinking patterns and develop new skills to deal with anxiety. It includes exposure therapy where you gradually expose yourself to objects or situations that trigger anxiety in order to build confidence.