Anxiety Disorders Medications: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Medications For Anxiety Disorders There are many medicines that can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include the benzodiazepines (benzodiazepine), beta blockers (beta blockers) and antidepressants. Talk with your doctor about the advantages and risks of various medications for you. SSRIs and SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone) and boost levels of it in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety. Antidepressants If your anxiety causes serious problems in your daily life, a doctor who is specialized in mental health (psychiatrist) might suggest medication. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your doctor regarding possible negative side effects, risks and benefits of each type. The most popular choice for anxiety medication is selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram, as well as sertraline. They have a favorable benefit/risk ratio and have minimal adverse negative effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that may be effective. SSRIs can have anxiolytic effects within two to four weeks, but side effects are usually milder than with other antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants are more prone to adverse effects and are less frequently prescribed. Certain medications from this class, such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline and clomipramine, are effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamineoxidase A (MAOIs) are also seldom prescribed due to their risk of serious adverse effects, but they can be beneficial with certain types of anxiety. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Anxivan). Antidepressants aren't the only treatment for anxiety. Other drugs that can be utilized to combat anxiety include beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can provide immediate relief, but are associated with serious risks. They should only be used for short durations. Psychotherapy is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than medications. Your psychiatrist or psychologist will help you develop skills to ease your symptoms and find ways to cope. You can control your anxiety by keeping a log, learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, making dietary changes and exercising more and joining a support group for anxiety and applying other strategies. You can improve your health by adhering to your treatment plan and attending therapy regularly. Try not to give up even if you have an awful day. Keep your regular doctor's appointments and do not stop taking your medication if you are taking medication. Beta-blockers For those who experience physical manifestations of anxiety—like a pounding heart sweaty palms or tight chests, beta blockers may be a possibility. Although these medications are usually prescribed for heart conditions, they have also shown to be effective in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. They work by blocking receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone of stress) bonds to, hindering it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Unlike antidepressants, beta blockers don't alter serotonin levels, but instead slow the heart rate, which can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Propranolol, atenolol and Inderal are just a few examples. Hydroxyzine, also referred to as Atarax or Vistaril, is another option to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. These drugs are prescribed only for the purpose of treatment and are not designed to be used over the long term. Anyone who is prescribed these medication should discuss any adverse effects with their doctor. They should also consult with their doctor prior to taking these drugs if they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some beta-blockers may lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome in those suffering from the condition. A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, is trained in the assessment and treatment of anxiety. They are able to diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication, as well as other treatments. A psychiatrist can be particularly helpful for those with severe anxiety who cannot manage without medication and are afraid of seeking treatment. panic anxiety disorder will look at the medical history of the patient as well as their preferences and other aspects to determine the most effective medication. They will also monitor the patient's progress and any adverse side effects over time. They can adjust dosages accordingly. They also address any other concerns that a patient may have including sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. While it is possible to take medication for anxiety on their own, it's recommended to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. It is important to remember that medication only dulls or relieves anxiety, and can make someone dependent on the medication. Psychotherapy A variety of psychotherapy methods can be employed to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential element of any anxiety treatment strategy. Other forms of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and exposure therapy. All of these techniques have been proven to be effective in helping people to learn to manage their anxiety. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates & Mood Disorders Consultation Service have been specially trained to treat anxiety disorders. They may recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication to help you overcome your fears. Anxiety can be debilitating, causing it difficult to complete everyday tasks. It can also cause a number of physical problems like stomach upset, heart palpitations and insomnia, as well as trouble concentrating. In addition to treating the symptoms of anxiety disorder Your therapist can also help you cope with these issues to ensure that your daily functioning improves. The first line of medications for anxiety disorders are antidepressants. These are medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally preferred since they are less prone to side effects than older antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants. These medications, which take between four and six weeks to reach full effectiveness, are typically used to treat depression that is underlying as well. Other medications that are often prescribed for anxiety include sedatives, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) which help to help to relax muscles. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms, like sweating, trembling, nausea and breathing difficulties. In some instances, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, like hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril) to treat allergies that may cause anxiety symptoms. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is an essential element of any anxiety-treatment program. Your therapist can teach you to identify the negative distortions and irrational expectations in your anxious thoughts and replace them with real calm and soothing statements. Your therapist can show you how to deal with the situations which cause anxiety instead of avoiding these situations to improve your confidence. Other medications Anxiety disorder is a common condition that has many treatment options. Certain people might discover that medication is an effective option to alleviate anxiety symptoms, along with other methods and therapies. The most common types of medication used to combat anxiety include antidepressants, beta blockers, benzodiazepines and buspirone. Antidepressants are commonly utilized as a primary treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Medications from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine inhibition (SNRI) like Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta and Effexor XR are usually prescribed. These medications boost the levels of certain brain chemicals that boost your mood and ease anxiety. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, can be used to ease severe 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 reduce a rapid heart rate, sweating and shaking. Benzodiazepines can be addictive, and should not be used for more than 4 weeks at the same time. Beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol may aid people suffering from panic disorder or phobias by regulating their heart rate. They also reduce the effects of norepinephrine – a hormone that is involved in the fight-or-flight response. These medications can be utilized in a long-term way to control anxiety. Buspirone is a naturally occurring substance that is linked to GABA. It soothes the nervous system and is frequently prescribed for phobias, or a sensitivity towards noise and light. It is commonly used to treat sleep issues. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is another effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally considered the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This form of therapy teaches you to change your thinking patterns and learn new ways to manage anxiety. It includes exposure therapy that gradually exposes yourself to situations or objects that cause anxiety to build your confidence.