anxiety-treatment

Anxiety Treatment MedicationsPeople suffering from anxiety disorders typically improve through psychotherapy and medication. The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).Antidepressants are also used to combat anxiety. SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) work by blocking brain nerve cells from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical that affects mood.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medicines that treat anxiety very well and can be used quickly. They are also physically addictive and carry serious risks to your safety if you use them for long periods. They should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. They can be useful as an “as needed” treatment for panic attacks and other severe anxiety episodes. Benzos can be used in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medicines to treat anxiety disorders.Benzos are extremely effective for short-term anxiety treatments, and they can aid in getting a good night’s sleep. However they are also dangerous when misused, and they are not recommended for use in conjunction with other medications. When benzodiazepines are combined with sedatives, such as alcohol and opioid pain medications, the risk of death or overdose increases. They may also interfere negatively with certain antidepressants and cause severe withdrawal symptoms.When prescribed by your doctor If prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines are effective and safe when treating anxiety disorders. However, a lot of doctors are cautious when it comes to using them, because they can be addictive and have adverse side effects such as memory loss. The long-term use of these medications can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and those who become dependent are usually unable to stop taking them without experiencing serious side effects, such as seizures and depression. The main thing to remember about long-term use of benzos is to: prescribe them only for patients who might benefit from them; utilize them in clinical situations that will likely alleviate anxiety symptoms; avoid prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; limit the chance of abuse, especially by children; and pair them with effective psychological therapies.Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines can help ease anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from firing in the brain. These medications can aid in sleeping and feeling less anxious, but they do not solve the underlying issue that causes you to worry.Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all natural ways to decrease anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to challenge irrational fears and anxiety.AntidepressantsSSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a good option for people suffering from anxiety since they work on the brain to regulate mood. However, they could take four to six weeks or more to begin working. If someone isn’t feeling better after the time frame it is recommended to talk to their physician about changing their medication.Antidepressants like mirtazapine and nefazodone can be effective in treating anxiety. They may work faster than older drugs such as venlafaxine or XR. It is important to be aware that these medications may cause severe reactions in some people. If you experience this reaction, call healthdirect at 1800 022222 and talk to an experienced nurse.MAOIs are another type of antidepressant which can be used to treat anxiety. They block the actions of enzymes that breakdown chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows the levels of these chemicals to rise and have a positive impact on mood. MAOIs are typically reserved for patients who don’t respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety.The most effective antidepressants for anxiety are the tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are similar to SSRIs in the way they treat anxiety and other mental disorders, however they are less prone to adverse negative effects. These medicines are effective at low doses, however their effectiveness increases with the increase in dosage. Tricyclics are effective in treating panic, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, natural treatment for anxiety may not be as effective when treating generalized anxiety disorder.Buspirone, a more recent antidepressant is also used for anxiety. It functions as a mild tranquilizer, but it doesn’t cause the same side effects as benzodiazepines. It does not affect coordination or memory. It works by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain, and decreasing dopamine levels. The drug is effective for up to 70% of people who take it. As the medication is taken longer, side effects tend to decrease. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, can be used alongside these medications to improve the effect.BuspironeBuspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It’s taken orally, usually twice a day. It’s not a controlled drug, but there is a potential for abuse.Doctors aren’t sure exactly how it is working, but they believe that buspirone decreases the amount and action of a chemical referred to as serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous systems less susceptible to anxiety and stress.In general, doctors believe that buspirone is to be a safe medication for the majority of people. It’s generally regarded as having a lower degree of toxicity and a smaller chance of becoming addicted than barbiturates and benzodiazepines. However, as with other medications there are adverse effects. The most common side effects are nausea and dizziness. It’s important to tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and other ingredients that you are taking before starting buspirone, since it can interact with them.Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose if you are over 65. This is due to the fact that older people tend to respond to drugs differently than younger individuals do. This is especially true for drugs that affect the nervous system.It’s also important to inform your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Buspirone can increase levels of these drugs in your body, leading to serious adverse side negative effects.Inform your doctor whether you suffer from liver disease, kidney problems stomach issues, are nursing or pregnant. Certain medicines, like SSRIs, may not be suitable for you in these circumstances.If buspirone doesn’t work, or you can’t take it due to an illness or interaction with a different medication or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative treatment for anxiety. It could be a different type of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac; beta blockers such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PIL will provide more details about how to make use of the drug as well as possible adverse effects.Other MedicinesIn addition to medication, there are other methods that can alleviate anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a possibility. Psychotherapy can assist you in changing the way you think about anxiety and teach you coping strategies to manage anxiety. Other options include learning relaxation skills, maintaining a regular workout routine, and staying away from drugs and alcohol. Some people find relief from anxiety symptoms by taking herbal medications. If you try these alternatives and they don’t help consult your physician.Medications used as an anxiety treatment typically fall into two broad categories: antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam), enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA which is found in your brain to help promote tranquility. They offer quick relief, however they can be addictive if used long-term. Antidepressants take longer to work however they can stabilize the levels in your brain of specific neurotransmitters, chemicals that influence your mood.SSRIs are the most common antidepressants for anxiety. They increase the amount serotonin which is a chemical messenger in your brain. This can improve your mood or reduce anxiety. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are a different antidepressant that prevents the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine from the brain. This boosts the levels of these chemicals in your body and makes you feel more energetic. A third class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxide inhibitors, also known as MAOIs, are used to treat anxiety in those who aren’t responding to SSRIs.There are a myriad of other medicines that are frequently used to treat anxiety, such as azapirones (such as buspirone) beta- and alpha-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine), and clonidine. These medications have a lower chance of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines.Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn’t always be used. If you’re suffering from an underlying reason for your anxiety like debt, poor diet, or an unhealthy relationship, non-drug therapies may be more efficient. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) biofeedback (which helps you to manage your brain’s waves by using a device to monitor them) and mindfulness meditation.