Anxiety Treatment Medications
People with anxiety disorders often get better by undergoing psychotherapy and taking medication. Treatments for anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Antidepressants are also used to combat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram and fluoxetine are effective in preventing neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin. This chemical influences mood.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are powerful drugs for treating anxiety. They are effective and quick. They are also physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used for long periods. This is why they should be prescribed and taken under the guidance of a medical professional. They can be used as a "as-needed" treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy, antidepressants and other medications to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzos are extremely effective for short-term anxiety relief, and they can help you get a good night's sleep. They can be hazardous when used in excess and are not recommended for use with other drugs. When combined with sedatives such as alcohol or opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of an overdose and even death. They may also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If prescribed by a doctor When prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe for treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious when it comes to using them, because they are addictive and can cause adverse side effects such as memory loss. Long-term use of these drugs can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms and those who develop dependence are usually unable to stop taking them without experiencing severe side effects like seizures and depression. The key to long-term benzo use is to prescribe them only for patients who might benefit from them; utilize them in clinical situations that are likely to alleviate anxiety symptoms; avoid long-term use or abrupt discontinuation; reduce the possibility of abuse, particularly by children; and pair them with effective psychological therapies.
Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines are a great way to reduce anxiety. They do this by blocking certain nerves signals and preventing their transmission to the brain. These drugs may make you sleepy and less anxious, but they will not resolve the root cause that causes anxiety.
There are many natural ways to ease your anxiety, such as meditation, exercise and yoga. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different treatment. You learn to conquer irrational worries and fears.
Antidepressants
SSRIs which are also known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, are a good choice for anxiety, because they help the brain manage mood. It could take up four weeks for them to begin working. If the person does not feel better after this period it is recommended to speak with their doctor about changing the medication.

Newer antidepressants like mirtazapine and nefazodone can also be beneficial in treating anxiety. They can work faster than older medications, such as venlafaxine or XR. However it's important to keep in mind that these drugs can trigger an extreme reaction in certain people. If you encounter this reaction, contact healthdirect on 1800 022222 to speak to an experienced nurse.
Monoamine Oxase Inhibitors, also known as MAOIs are a different type of antidepressant used for anxiety. They block enzymes that break chemicals in the brain to noradrenaline, among others. This allows levels of these chemicals, which have a positive effects on mood, to rise. MAOIs are generally reserved for patients who do not improve on other antidepressants, however, they can be effective in treating anxiety.
The most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, but they are not as prone to side negative effects. These medicines start at a low dose, and their effectiveness improves as the dosage increases. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, they may not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone, a more recent antidepressant is also used for anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer but does not cause the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It does not affect coordination or memory. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. The drug is effective for up to 70 per cent of people who take it. The adverse effects are likely to decrease as the medication is taken for longer periods of time. Talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be used alongside these medications to enhance the effects.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic medication that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually twice a day. It's not a regulated drug, but there is a chance of abuse.
Doctors aren't quite sure how it is working, but they believe that buspirone can reduce the quantity and activities of a chemical referred to as serotonin in specific parts of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to anxiety and stress.
Buspirone is generally regarded as safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It's generally thought to have a lower level of toxicity, and a lesser chance of becoming addicted than benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Like other medications there are some adverse reactions. The most common side effects are nausea and dizziness. Buspirone may interact with other medicines, supplements and other ingredients. Tell your doctor if you take any of these prior to beginning the drug.
Your doctor might prescribe an inverse dose if you are over 65. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger people. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system.
It's also essential to inform your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, which can lead to serious side negative effects.
It is also important to let your doctor know that you suffer from kidney disease, liver problems or stomach disorders, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medicines, such as SSRIs might not be suitable for you under these circumstances.
Your doctor might prescribe an alternative treatment when buspirone fails to work or in the event that you are unable to take it due to a medical condition or due to an interaction with another medication. This could be a new type of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac; beta blockers such as propranolol; or a benzodiazepine, like Xanax. The PIL will provide more details on how to use the drug and possible adverse reactions.
Other Medical Treatments
In addition to medications there are other options to help reduce anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is an option. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope with anxiety and alter your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining an exercise routine, and abstaining from the use of alcohol and other drugs. Herbal medicines can be helpful for people with anxiety symptoms. If you've tried these alternatives and they aren't working consult your physician.
The two main categories of medications used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, like Ativan (lorazepam), enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA which is found in your brain to promote calmness. They can provide quick relief, but can become addictive if used long-term. Antidepressants take longer to work but balance the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, referred to as neurotransmitters, that influence your mood.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants that treat anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin, a chemical signalling agent in your brain. This can improve your mood or cause you to feel less anxious. anxiety treatment at home , serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, prevent the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, thereby increasing levels of these chemicals and causing you to feel more energized. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are an additional class of antidepressants that is often prescribed by those who do not respond to SSRIs to treat anxiety.
There are a variety of other medications often used to treat anxiety, including azapirones (such as buspirone) as well as beta- and alpha-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and clonidine. These medicines have a lower chance of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.
Although medication is an effective anxiety treatment however, it shouldn't be your only treatment you use. If you're suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety like debt, poor diet, or a problematic relationship, non-drug treatments may be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy, also known as biofeedback, which helps you to manage your brain waves with a monitoring device; and mindfulness meditation, a form of meditation that focuses on the present moment.