25 Surprising Facts About Anxiety Disorders Medications
Medications For Anxiety Disorders Many medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include benzodiazepines beta blockers, and antidepressants. Talk with your doctor about benefits and risks of different medications for you. SSRIs and SNRIs boost the levels of serotonin within the brain and inhibit its reuptake (a neurotransmitter or hormone). This helps reduce anxiety. Antidepressants If anxiety is causing major issues in your life, a psychiatrist (medical doctor who specializes in mental health) might prescribe medication. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Consult your physician regarding possible side effects, risks, and benefits of each type. The first choice for anxiety medications is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline. They have a favorable benefit-risk ratio and few side negative effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant which can be effective. SSRIs require between two and four weeks for the anxiolytic effect to begin however the start of adverse effects during this time is typically not as severe as other antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants have more dangerous adverse effects and are not as frequently prescribed. However, certain medications in this class, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Clomipramine (Cadorax) can be effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAOIs) are also rarely prescribed today because of their danger of serious adverse side effects, but they can be beneficial with certain forms of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Anxivan). Antidepressants are not the only drugs that can ease anxiety. Other treatments that can be used to combat anxiety include beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. These medications provide immediate relief, however they are associated with serious risks. They should only be taken for short periods. Psychotherapy is more effective than drugs in treating anxiety disorders. Your psychologist or psychiatrist can provide you with skills that will reduce your symptoms and assist you discover ways to deal with anxiety. You can control anxiety by keeping a diary as well as learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, making diet changes, exercising more, joining a support group for anxiety and applying other strategies. You can improve your condition by adhering to the treatment plan and taking regular therapy. Try not to give up, even if you have bad days. If you are taking medication, make sure to keep your appointments with your doctor and don't stop taking your medication. Beta-blockers For those with physical symptoms of anxiety—like a pounding heart sweaty palms, sweaty palms, or tight chests, beta blockers may be a possibility. These are typically prescribed for heart conditions but have been shown to decrease anxiety-related symptoms. They block receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone that causes stress) is able to bind to, thus hindering it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast to antidepressants beta blockers do not alter serotonin levels, but rather slow the heart rate, which can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Propranolol, atenolol and Inderal are just a few examples. Hydroxyzine (Atarax and Vistaril) is a different option for treating phobias and generalized anxiety disorders. These medications are typically taken as needed and are not prescribed for long-term use. Patients who are prescribed these medications should discuss any side effects with their doctor. They should also speak with their doctor prior to taking these medications if they are pregnant or nursing. Certain beta-blockers can lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some can even worsen symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome in those suffering from this condition. A psychiatrist, also known as a medical doctor who specializes mental health, is trained in assessing and treating anxiety. They can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medications as well as other methods of treatment. A psychiatrist can be especially helpful for people with severe anxiety who are having difficulty dealing with their anxiety without medication and who often feel ashamed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as their preferences and other factors to determine the most appropriate medication. They also track the patient's progress as well as any adverse side effects as time passes. They can adjust dosages accordingly. They will also discuss any other concerns the patient may have such as sexually transmitted illnesses or pregnancy. While one can take medication for anxiety on their own, it is best to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. Remember that medication only dulls or reduces anxiety and can make a patient dependent on it. Psychotherapy A variety of psychotherapy methods are available to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a crucial component of any treatment plan designed to treat anxiety disorders. Other types of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and exposure therapy. All of these methods have been proven to be effective in helping people to learn to manage their anxiety. Psychologists and psychiatrists at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates and its Mood Disorders Consultation Service are specially trained to treat anxiety disorders. They may recommend a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help you overcome your anxieties. Anxiety can be debilitating and cause daily tasks difficult to complete. It can also cause physical issues, such as stomach upset and heart palpitations. It can also make it difficult to concentrate. Your therapist will not only treat the symptoms, but also show you how to deal with the challenges. The first class of medications for anxiety disorders is antidepressants. The medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally preferred because they are less prone to side effects than older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs, which require between four and six weeks to reach full effectiveness, are often employed to treat depression that is not underlying as well. Other medications for anxiety include muscle relaxants such as diazepam and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks as well as other symptoms, such as shaking, nausea, sweating and breathing difficulties. In some instances doctors might prescribe an antihistamine medication such as hydroxyzine, Vistaril, or Atarax for allergies that can cause anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is an important element of any anxiety treatment plan. Your therapist will assist you to recognize the negative distortions in your anxiety and replace them with more calm, rational statements. Your therapist can teach you how to deal with the situations that trigger your anxiety instead of avoiding them, so you increase your confidence. Other medications Anxiety is a common disorder which has many treatments. Some people may find that medication is a good choice to help minimize anxiety symptoms, alongside other techniques and therapy. Antidepressants are one of the medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants are often used as a first line drug treatment for generalized anxiety disorder . The medications in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically prescribed, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications increase 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 in a matter of minutes to reduce the response to stress by enhancing the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They can also reduce a rapid heart rate, sweating and shaking. They are highly addictive and should not be used for more than 4 weeks. Beta blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin), can be beneficial for those suffering from a anxiety disorder or panic disorder by helping them control their heart rate. They also reduce the effects of norepinephrine a hormone that is involved in the fight or flight response. These medicines can be taken on a regular basis to help manage anxiety. Buspirone, a naturally occurring substance that is found in the body and is linked to GABA, helps calm the nervous system and is typically prescribed for anxiety or sensitivity to noise and light. It is often utilized to help with sleep disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as 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 type of therapy helps you to change your thinking patterns and develop new skills to cope with anxiety. It also includes exposure therapy in which you gradually expose yourself to objects or situations that can trigger anxiety to increase your confidence.