Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a common mental illness. Many people take medication to manage their anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medications, including SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine as well as SNRIs, like venlafaxine, are usually the first drugs that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters that influence the mood of your brain.

Benzodiazepines

Feeling anxious or stressed from time to time is normal, but if those feelings persist or interfere with your daily life it's an appropriate time to seek out help. Medication can be a valuable tool to minimize anxiety symptoms, along with lifestyle changes or psychotherapy. But, there isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment for anxiety. The best option for you depends on your diagnosis and other aspects.

Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam), are powerful drugs that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating or voice trembling. Benzodiazepines slow down brain activity and encourage relaxation by increasing the activity of the receptors for gamma aminobutyric acid. They are often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be administered under medical supervision.

Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs boost brain levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a role in mood, along with norepinephrine which is another neurotransmitter involved in the body's fight-or-flight response. However, some people do not respond well to these drugs, and can experience side effects such as nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.

Other medications, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin), are sometimes used off-label for anxiety particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Beta blockers can be used to manage anxiety and anxiety disorder treatments at home and phobias.

Some anxiety symptoms can be eased by allergy medications such as Vistaril. It blocks certain histamine receptors within the brain to reduce the amount of activity in the central nervous system, resulting in an energizing effect. It is prescribed to treat anxiety, particularly prior to surgery. While not a first-choice medication, it is often an option for patients who are unable to take benzodiazepines due to of the danger of dependence and abuse.

Antidepressants

Anxiety is a very common mental health condition, and it's extremely treatable. The first step is often lifestyle changes, but sometimes medication can help with symptoms as well. There are a myriad of treatments available to 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 first option for treating anxiety. However, older tricyclics can also be effective.

Benzodiazepines are another option, and they can be a great help to provide relief for anxiety attacks and other symptoms. They work by targeting receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which slows down the brain's activity when it's stressed and create a feeling of calm. They are typically employed as a calming medication for transitions and may be habit-forming. Therefore they should not be used long-term. Examples of benzodiazepines include Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).

Another form of antidepressant is beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety through reducing the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones that are involved in the body's fight or flight response. They also increase serotonin levels - an important chemical messenger that affects mood. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are prescribed by 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. These drugs can take several weeks to start working, so it's important not to become discouraged if you don't notice results immediately. Common SSRIs prescribed for anxiety are sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Lexapro).

Antidepressants are only prescribed as a last option in some cases because they can cause anxiety to worsen. In certain instances there is no other treatment available, especially when they are used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist has extensive training in managing psychiatric medication and is the ideal person to discuss this. They will take into consideration the person's diagnosis, medical history, goals and tolerance to medication when deciding on the most effective options. Psychologists are also able to schedule regular appointments and follow-ups in order to track the effectiveness of medication and also monitor the effects of medication.

Hydroxyzine

The most important aspect of treatment for anxiety disorders is medication but it's not the only option to treat symptoms. A psychiatrist can use many different tools, including psychotherapy, to help you cope with anxiety. If medication is needed, they will recommend the use of a treatment plan that incorporates different drugs with the right dosage to obtain the most effective results.

Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of anti-anxiety medications that include benzodiazepines as well as SSRIs. They can also prescribe other treatments, including atypical antidepressants or SNRIs. These drugs can provide long-term relief or short-term relief from panic attacks, as well as other severe symptoms.

Hydroxyzine, a antihistamine, can be used to ease tension and anxiety. It works by changing the levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and does not carry the risk of addiction as some other medications like lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) are known to do. However, if you combine this medication in conjunction with other medications that cause the feeling of drowsiness (such as sedatives and narcotic pain relief) the side effects can be dangerous.

A doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine in the form of an oral tablet or syrup that should be taken three or four times per day. Follow the directions on the prescription and consult your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you don't understand. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn't be taking hydroxyzine, because animal studies have shown that the drug can cause harm to fetuses.

Psychiatrists prescribe hydroxyzine for anxiety, an illness that can trigger feelings of anxiety and nervousness. It can also cause heart palpitations or trembling. Patients with breathing issues should not take hydroxyzine since it can dry out the mucus in the lungs and make breathing difficult. If you are experiencing breathing problem, consult your physician immediately. Avoid taking hydroxyzine in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs that may cause sleepiness.

Buspirone

It is normal to be anxious at times. However should you experience anxiety that is persistent and affecting your health and quality of life you need to consult a medical professional. Psychiatrists are specially trained to assist people suffering from anxiety disorders. They have a variety of tools available to them including medications, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other treatments for anxiety disorders.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs are usually the first treatment that a psychiatrist would recommend to a person living with anxiety. These drugs augment the body's serotonin levels to help regulate mood, and they come with a low risk of substance abuse and addiction. They are also effective for both long-term symptom relief and as a follow-up to other treatments to reduce anxiety.

Benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are fast-acting drugs that can help ease anxiety immediately. They decrease the gamma aminobutyric (GABA) in your brain and help you feel calm. As opposed to SSRIs which are a bit more potent, they don't have as many possible side effects, but they are still addictive and may be habit-forming.

Buspirone is an antidepressant that has also been shown to be a powerful anxiolytic, although it's most often used as a last-line treatment. It's an oral tablet and has a lower side effect risk than other drugs. However, it takes a few weeks of regular use to experience the full effect, so it's important to adhere to your medication schedule.

It's ultimately the responsibility of your physician to decide which anxiety medication is the best drug for social anxiety disorder one for you. It is important to discuss your options with them and they can explain how each medication works, what the side effects are, as well as should they have any other suggestions for treating your anxiety disorder social anxiety. You can also take an online test to find an accredited psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.