Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are a common mental illness. The use of medications can help many people manage their anxiety symptoms. There are many kinds of medications including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and others.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, the fluoxetine, and citalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are often the first drugs doctors prescribe for anxiety. They alter neurotransmitters within your brain that affect mood.
Benzodiazepines
Feeling stressed or nervous from time to time is normal, but when these feelings persist or disrupt your daily routine it could be the right time to seek help. Medication can be a valuable tool to reduce anxiety symptoms in conjunction with psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. There is no one-size fits all medication for anxiety. The best choice for you will depend on your diagnosis and many other factors.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam), are quick-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating or voice trembling. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and induce relaxation by increasing the activity of the receptors for the gamma aminobutyric acid. They are prescribed for anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. However, they can be 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 increase the levels of brain 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). Some people are not able to take these medications and may experience nausea or sleepiness. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Certain medications, like propranolol and atenolol are utilized off-label to treat anxiety, particularly when they are combined with antidepressants. Beta blockers are generally used to lower blood pressure and heart issues however they can also help control the anxiety and fear that are associated with phobias or anxiety disorders.
The use of allergy medications like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) and others, are also used to relieve some anxiety symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors in the brain, which reduces excessive activity in the nervous system. This results in an easing effect. It is often used on an as-needed basis for anxiety, particularly prior to surgery. While not a first-choice medication but it is an option for patients who cannot take benzodiazepines because of the danger of dependence and abuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a very common mental health issue and it's highly treatable. Often, lifestyle changes are the first step. However, medications can also help to relieve symptoms. There are a variety of medications that can help treat anxiety and the one that performs best will depend on a patient's diagnosis and medical history as well as treatment goals. In general, SSRI antidepressants, which are more recent are the most popular option for treating anxiety. However, tricyclics that are older are also effective.
Benzodiazepines are another option, and they act very quickly to relieve panic attacks and other signs. They target receptors for Gamma -aminobutyric Acid (GABA), slowing down the brain when overexcited and promoting a sense of calm. They are typically used as a transitional medication, and can be habit-forming. Therefore they shouldn't be used for a long time. Examples of benzodiazepines are Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Beta-blockers are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They inhibit the action of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline. These hormones are involved in the body's fight-or-flight response. They also increase the levels of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger that influences mood. Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are a prescription from 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. The drugs can take several weeks to show results so it's important not to become discouraged if you don't notice immediate results. The most common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Lexapro).
In some instances the use of antidepressants can cause anxiety to worsen and are therefore prescribed as an alternative. In certain instances, antidepressants are the only treatment option, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist is trained extensively in managing psychiatric medication and is the ideal person to discuss this. When choosing the best medication, they'll consider a person's medical history, diagnosis, goals, and tolerance to medications. They can also schedule regular appointments and follow-ups in order to track the effectiveness of medications as well as monitor adverse effects.
Hydroxyzine
Medicines are the foundation of treatment for anxiety disorders however they're not the only option to manage your symptoms. A psychiatrist can help you manage anxiety with different tools, such as psychotherapy. If medications are necessary for treatment, they'll suggest a program that blends several dosages and drugs to achieve the best results.
Psychologists can prescribe a range of anti-anxiety medicines such as benzodiazepines and SSRIs. They can also prescribe additional medication, like atypical antidepressants or SNRIs. These drugs can provide long-term relief or temporary relief for panic attacks and other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to alleviate tension and anxiety. It does this by altering the levels of serotonin and histamine, which can change your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled drug and doesn't carry the risk of addiction that other drugs like lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), do. If you combine this medication with other medications that induce drowsiness, like sedatives or narcotics, the negative effects can be hazardous.
A doctor can prescribe Hydroxyzine in the form of an oral tablet, syrup, or suspension which should be taken three to every day for a total of four doses. It's important to adhere to the directions on the prescription and ask your physician or pharmacist to explain any part you aren't understanding. It is not recommended to take the hydroxyzine when you are pregnant or nursing. Animal studies have shown that the drug can cause harm to fetuses.
Psychiatrists prescribe hydroxyzine to treat anxiety, a condition that can cause anxiety and feelings of fear and nervousness. It can also lead to heart palpitations and shaking. People with breathing issues should not take hydroxyzine, as it can dry out the mucus and make breathing difficult. Tell your doctor immediately in case you are having trouble breathing. Avoid taking hydroxyzine with alcohol or other drugs that could cause the feeling of drowsiness.
Buspirone
It is normal to feel anxious at times. However when your anxiety is persistent and has a negative impact on your health and lifestyle, you should consult a medical professional. Psychiatrists are specially trained to assist those suffering from anxiety issues. They have a variety of tools available to them such as medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments that are specialized.
SSRIs are the first prescription that a psychiatrist prescribes to a person suffering from anxiety. These drugs help regulate mood by boosting your body's serotonin levels. They also have a low dependency and risk of abuse. They are also effective in the long-term relief of symptoms and as a follow-up to other treatments for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are powerful drugs that can provide anxiety relief immediately. They decrease the gamma aminobutyric (GABA) in your brain, allowing you to feel calm. They don't have the same side effects as SSRIs but they can be addictive and can lead to a habit-forming.
Buspirone is an antidepressant. It has also been proven to be an effective anxiolytic. It is typically utilized in second-line treatment. It's available as a tablet for oral consumption, and it has a lower risk of adverse effects than other medications. However, anxiety disorder best medication requires several weeks of consistent use to see the full effect, so it's important to stick to your medication schedule.
In the end, it's your doctor's choice to prescribe the best anxiety medication for you. You should discuss with your doctor the options available. They will be able to explain the effects of each drug and any potential side effects. If they have any other recommendations to treat your anxiety, they'll also be able provide these. You can also take our brief online assessment and get matched with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.