This Most Common Anxiety Treatment Medicines Debate Isn't As Black Or White As You Might Think Anxiety Treatment Medications

Psychotherapy and medication can aid people with anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).

Antidepressants can also treat anxiety. SSRIs such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by preventing neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical that affects mood.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications which treat anxiety well and can be used quickly. They can also be physically addictive and pose serious safety risks if used for prolonged periods. They should only be used under the supervision of a physician. They can be used as an "as required" treatment for panic attacks or other extreme anxiety episodes. Benzos can be utilized in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders.

Benzos can be extremely effective in managing anxiety for a short time, and they aid in sleeping well. However, they can be dangerous when used in excess, and are not suitable for use in conjunction with other medications. When benzodiazepines mix with sedatives such as alcohol and opioid pain medication, the risk of death or overdose is increased. They may also interact with some antidepressants, causing serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

If prescribed by a doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe for treating anxiety disorders. A lot of doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they can cause addiction and adverse side effects, including memory loss. Long-term use can trigger a severe withdrawal reaction, and people who become dependent on them are frequently not able to stop taking them without experiencing severe symptoms such as depression and seizures. The key to long-term benzo use is to: prescribe them only to patients who could benefit from them; use them in situations where they are likely to ameliorate anxiety symptoms; avoid long-term use or abrupt discontinuation; limit the chance of abuse, particularly among children; and combine them with effective psychological treatments.

Anxiety medication like benzodiazepines can help ease anxiety. They accomplish this by blocking certain nerves signals and stopping their transmission to the brain. These drugs can aid in sleeping better and feel less anxious, but they won't solve the root issue that's causing you anxious (like increasing bills or an unhealthy relationship).

There are some natural ways to lessen anxiety such as exercise, meditation and yoga. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment. You can learn to overcome irrational worries and fears.

Antidepressants

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a viable option for people suffering from anxiety since they affect the brain to control mood. It can take up to four weeks before they begin working. If someone isn't feeling better after the period they should speak to their physician about changing their medication.

The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone, are also helpful for treating anxiety. They can work faster than older medications like venlafaxine and XR. It's important to remember that these drugs can cause severe reactions in certain people. If they have this reaction it is recommended that they seek urgent medical attention or contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak to an experienced nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL Victoria).

Monoamine Oxase Inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are a different kind of antidepressant used for anxiety. They block the actions of enzymes that degrade chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows levels of these chemicals, which have a an impact positive on mood, to increase. MAOIs are usually reserved for patients that don't respond well to other antidepressants. However they can be extremely effective in treating anxiety.

The most effective antidepressants to treat anxiety are tricyclic antidepressants. They are similar to SSRIs in the way they treat anxiety and other mental disorders, but they are not as prone to side effects. These medicines are effective at small doses, but their effectiveness increases with the increase in dosage. Tricyclics may be effective for treating anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder however they are less likely to help with generalized anxiety disorder.

Buspirone, an antidepressant that is newer, is also used to treat anxiety. It is a mild tranquilizer, but does not cause the same negative side effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect memory or coordination. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, and reducing dopamine. Up to 70% of people who take the drug find it effective. As the medication is taken for longer, the effects to diminish. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy, can be incorporated with these drugs to increase their effect.

Buspirone

Buspirone is a generic drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, generally every day, twice. It's not a controlled drug, but it does have potential for abuse.

Doctors don't know exactly how buspirone functions, but they do know that it decreases the amount of serotonin as well as its actions in specific areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less prone to anxiety and stress.

Buspirone is generally considered safe by doctors for the vast majority of people. It is generally believed as having a lower degree of toxicity, and a lesser risk for addiction than barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Like other medications they can cause adverse reactions. The most common side effects are dizziness and nausea. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements and other ingredients that you are taking prior to starting buspirone because it could interact with them.

Your doctor may recommend a lower dose if you are over 65. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger individuals. This is particularly true for drugs that affect your nervous system.

It's also important to inform your doctor if you're taking an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can cause serious adverse side effects by increasing the concentrations of these drugs.

You should also let your doctor know if suffer from kidney disease or stomach problems or are breastfeeding or pregnant. In these circumstances, some medications, such as SSRIs may not be appropriate for you.

Your doctor might recommend a different treatment when buspirone fails to work or if you are unable to take it due to a medical condition, or because of an interaction with a different drug. This could be a new type of antidepressant like Lexapro or Prozac; beta blockers like propranolol, or a benzodiazepine, like Xanax. The PIL will provide more information about how to use the drug and possible adverse effects.

Other Medical Treatments

There are other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a possible option. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to manage anxiety and alter your way of thinking. Other options include learning relaxation techniques, maintaining a regular workout routine, and staying away from alcohol and other drugs. Some people experience relief from anxiety-related symptoms by taking herbal medications. If you try these options but they don't work, talk to your doctor.

Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are two main types of drugs used to combat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, like Ativan (lorazepam) are able to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, in your brain, which helps to increase peace. They can help you feel better quickly but they also become addictive if used for a long time. Antidepressants take longer to work, but they stabilize the levels in your brain of specific chemicals called neurotransmitters that influence your mood.


Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are the most common type of antidepressant for anxiety. They boost the amount of serotonin, the chemical messenger in your brain, which can boost your mood and make you feel less anxious. generalized anxiety treatment (SNRIs) are another antidepressant that stops the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine from your brain. This increases levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energized. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another antidepressant class that is often prescribed by those who do not respond to SSRIs to combat anxiety.

There are a variety of other medications sometimes used to treat anxiety, including azapirones (such as buspirone), alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and clonidine. They have a lower success rate than SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

Although medication is an effective anxiety treatment, it shouldn't be the only treatment you use. If you have an underlying cause for your anxiety, like debt, poor diet, or a problematic relationship, non-medicative treatments could be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT; biofeedback, which teaches you to control your own brain waves by using a monitor device; and mindfulness meditation, a form of meditation that focuses on the present moment.