Medications For Anxiety Disorders

Several medications can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include benzodiazepines beta blockers, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about the right medication for you.

SSRIs and SNRIs raise the levels of serotonin within the brain and inhibit its reuptake (a neurotransmitter or hormone). This can help reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants

If anxiety is causing major issues in your life, a psychiatrist (medical doctor who specializes on mental health) may prescribe medication. There are many different kinds of antidepressants available to treat anxiety disorders. Consult your physician about the possible negative side effects, risks and benefits of each type.

The first choice for treating anxiety is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline. They have a positive benefit/risk ratio, with minimal adverse effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant which can be effective. SSRIs take two to four weeks for the anxiolytic effect to begin, but the start of adverse reactions during this time is not as severe as other types of antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants can cause more serious side-effects, and are therefore less frequently prescribed. Certain medications from this class, like nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and clomipramine, can be effective at treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAOIs) are seldom prescribed due to their risk of serious adverse effects, but can help with certain forms of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Anxivan).

Antidepressants aren't the only medications to treat anxiety. Beta-blockers and other medications can be used to treat anxiousness. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting and provide immediate relief, but they carry serious risks and should only be used for short periods of time.

Psychotherapy is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than medication. A psychologist or psychiatrist can teach you skills that will alleviate your symptoms and help you find ways to cope with anxiety. Some strategies you can use to control anxiety include keeping a journal, learning relaxation techniques, practicing breathing exercises, making changes to your diet as well as joining a support group for anxiety.

You can improve your condition by adhering to the treatment program and regularly attending sessions of therapy. Don't give up, even if you've had a bad day. If you are taking medication, keep your appointments with your doctor and do not stop taking your medication.

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers are an option for those who experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweaty hands, or tightness in the chest. These medications are usually prescribed for heart problems but have been shown to decrease anxiety-related symptoms. They work by blocking receptors that adrenaline (the stress hormone) is able to bind to in the body, which prevents it from carrying out its task of increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Beta blockers, unlike antidepressants, do not affect serotonin, but instead slow the heart rate. This may help to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine (Atarax and Vistaril) is a different option for treating phobias and generalized anxiety disorder gad anxiety disorder. These drugs are typically used on an as-needed basis and are not recommended for long-term use.

People who are prescribed these medication should discuss any adverse effects with their doctor. If you are nursing or pregnant, it is important to consult your physician prior to taking these medicines. Certain beta-blockers can lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels and some may worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome in those suffering from the condition.

A psychiatrist, also known as a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, is trained in the assessment and treatment of anxiety. They can diagnose anxiety disorders, and prescribe medication, as well as other treatments. A psychiatrist can be especially beneficial for those suffering from severe anxiety who are having difficulty dealing with their anxiety without medication and who often feel ashamed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will keep in mind a person's medical background and preferences to determine the appropriate medication for them. They will also make sure to monitor a patient's progress over time, and also any potential side effects and can adjust dosages accordingly. They also address any other concerns that a patient may face including sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. It is best to combine anxiety medications with psychotherapy or other treatments. It is important to remember that medications only dull or reduces anxiety, and can cause a person to become dependent on the medication.

Psychotherapy

A variety of psychotherapy methods can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential component of any treatment strategy. Other types of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy and exposure therapy. All of these methods can be effective in helping people manage their anxiety.

Psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates & Mood Disorders Consultation Service have received specialized training in treating anxiety disorders. They may recommend a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help you overcome your fears.

Anxiety can be debilitating and cause everyday tasks difficult to complete. It can also trigger physical problems such as stomach upset and heart palpitations. It can also make it difficult to concentrate. Your therapist will not only address the symptoms, but also teach you how to cope with the issues.

The first line of medication for anxiety disorders is antidepressants. The medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically preferred because they have fewer negative side effects than the older antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs, which require up to six weeks to reach full effectiveness, are typically used to treat underlying depression as well.

Other medications that are prescribed to treat anxiety include the sedatives lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) which help to aid in muscle relaxation. Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms such as shaking, nausea, sweating and breathing difficulties. In some instances, doctors may prescribe an antihistamine like hydroxyzine, Vistaril, or Atarax to treat allergies that cause anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is an essential element of any treatment for anxiety. Your therapist can teach you to identify the negative distortions and irrational expectations in your thoughts about anxiety, and replace them with realistic, calming statements. Your therapist will teach you how to face the situations that cause anxiety instead of avoiding them and gain confidence.

Other medications

Anxiety is a well-known disorder which has many options for treatment. Certain individuals find that medications can help reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other methods and treatments. Antidepressants are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

Antidepressants can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder. Treatments in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually prescribed, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These drugs increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that improve your mood and relieve anxiety.

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be used to ease severe anxiety or panic attacks. They work in a matter of minutes to reduce a person's response to stress by enhancing the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They can also reduce the speed of heart beat sweating, trembling, or trembling. 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 anxiety disorders or panic attacks by controlling their heart rate. They also work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine, an hormone that is involved in the fight or flight response. These medications can be utilized in a long-term way to reduce anxiety.

Buspirone is naturally occurring substance that is closely related to GABA. It helps to calm the nervous system and is often prescribed for phobias, or a sensitization to noise and light. It is commonly used to help with sleeping problems.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a second option for treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is thought to be the most effective therapy for anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy helps to change your habits of thinking to help overcome anxiety. It includes exposure therapy, which is where you are gradually exposed to objects or situations that cause anxiety and build confidence in your ability to overcome them.