Medications For Anxiety Disorders

Several medications can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include the benzodiazepines (benzodiazepine) beta blockers (beta blockers) and antidepressants. Consult your physician about what medications are right for you.

SSRIs and SNRIs raise the levels of serotonin within the brain and prevent its reuptake (a hormone or neurotransmitter). This can reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants

If anxiety is causing major issues in your daily life, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health (psychiatrist) may recommend medication. There are a variety of different kinds of antidepressants that are used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your physician about the benefits of each, the risks and potential side effects of each type of drug.

The first choice for treating anxiety is selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include paroxetine and fluoxetine, as well as citalopram, fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline. They have a positive benefit/risk ratio, with minimal adverse effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that can also be effective. SSRIs can cause anxiolytic effects within two to four weeks, but the side effects are typically less than with other antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants are not as frequently prescribed today, as they are more prone to dangerous adverse effects. However, certain drugs within this class, like amitriptyline (Elavil) nortriptyline (Pamelor) and clomipramine (Cadorax) are effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAOIs) are also seldom prescribed due to their high 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 sole medication that helps with anxiety. Beta-blockers and other medications are also available to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines work quickly and provide immediate relief, but they carry significant dangers and should only be used for brief periods of time.

Psychotherapy is more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help you develop strategies to reduce your symptoms and help you discover ways to deal with them. You can manage your anxiety by keeping a journal that includes relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, making diet changes as well as exercising more often and joining an anxiety support group, and implementing other strategies.

You can improve your condition by adhering to the treatment program and regularly attending therapy. Do not give up, even if you have bad days. If you are taking medication, make sure to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and do not stop taking your medication.

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers are a viable option for those who have physical symptoms of anxiety, like a pounding chest, sweaty hands, or tightness in the chest. While these medications are typically prescribed to treat heart ailments but they have also been shown to be effective in alleviating anxiety-related symptoms. They are effective by blocking the receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone that causes stress) binds to, hindering it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Unlike antidepressants, beta blockers do not alter serotonin levels, but rather slow the heart rate, which can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine, also known as Atarax or Vistaril, is another option to treat phobias and Anxiety Disorders Medications disorders. These medications are prescribed only for the purpose of treatment and are not meant to be used long-term.

If you are prescribed these drugs, it is important to discuss any adverse effects that could occur with your doctor. They should also consult with their doctor before taking these medications if they are pregnant or nursing. Some beta-blockers can decrease blood pressure to dangerously low levels and some can even worsen symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome in those suffering from this condition.

A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health, is skilled in the assessment and treatment of anxiety. He or she can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication as well other treatments. A psychiatrist can be especially beneficial for those suffering from severe anxiety who are having difficulty dealing with their anxiety without medication and are often embarrassed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will keep track of a person's medical background and preferences to determine the right medication for them. They also make sure to keep track of a patient's health over time, and also any potential side effects and can adjust dosages accordingly. They will also discuss any other concerns the patient may have, like sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. While it is possible to use anxiety medication on by themselves, it is best to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. Be aware that medications only dull or lessens anxiety, and could make patients dependent on it.

Psychotherapy

A variety of psychotherapy methods can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment program. Other forms of therapy include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy exposure therapy, and psychotherapy. All of these methods can be effective in helping people to 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 may suggest a combination of psychotherapy and medication to help you overcome your fears.

Anxiety can be debilitating, making it difficult to complete daily tasks. It can also trigger physical issues like stomach upset and heart palpitations. It can also make it difficult to concentrate. Your therapist will not just treat the symptoms, but will also help you deal with the challenges.

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

Other medications that are often prescribed for anxiety are sedatives like the lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) that aid in muscle relaxation. Benzodiazepines are generally used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms, like trembling, nausea, sweating, and breathing difficulty. In some instances, doctors may prescribe an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine, Vistaril, or Atarax for allergies that trigger anxiety symptoms.

Talk therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy, is a vital element of any anxiety-treatment program. Your therapist can help you to identify the negative distortions and irrational expectations in your thoughts about anxiety, and replace them with real, calming statements. Your therapist can teach you how to face the situations which create anxiety instead of avoiding them, so you increase your confidence.

Other medicines

Anxiety disorder is a widespread condition that has many treatment options. Some people find that medication can help reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other methods and therapies. Some of the medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants beta blockers, benzodiazepines and buspirone.

Antidepressants can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders that are generalized. Medications in 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 drugs increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that can improve your mood and relieve anxiety.

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be used to ease extreme anxiety disorder medication or panic attacks. They work within minutes to decrease a person's response to stress by enhancing the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and the brain. They can also reduce a rapid heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Benzodiazepines are addictive and should not be used for longer than 4 weeks at one time.

Beta blockers, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin), can be beneficial to people suffering from anxiety disorder or panic disorder by assisting in controlling their heart rate. They also inhibit the effects of norepinephrine, the hormone involved in the fight or flight response. These medications can be used in a long-term way to reduce anxiety.

Buspirone is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is closely related to GABA which helps relax the nervous system. It is often prescribed to treat phobias or sensitization to light and noise. It is commonly used to treat sleep problems.

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is another effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually thought of as the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you alter your habits of thinking to help manage anxiety. It also includes exposure therapy where you gradually expose yourself to situations or objects that can trigger anxiety to build confidence.