anxiety-disorders

Medications For Anxiety DisordersMany medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Some examples are benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Consult your physician about which medications are best for you.SSRIs and SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone) and boost levels of it in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety.AntidepressantsIf your anxiety is causing serious problems in your daily life, a medical professional who specializes in mental health (psychiatrist) might recommend medication. There are several different types of antidepressants that are used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your physician about the benefits of each, the risks and potential negative side effects of each type of medication.The first option for anxiety medication is selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include paroxetine and fluoxetine, as well as citalopram, fluoxetine and escitalopram, as well as sertraline. They have a positive risk/benefit ratio with few negative side negative effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that can also be effective. SSRIs take between two and four weeks for the anxiolytic effects to begin however, the beginning of adverse effects during this time is not as severe as with other types of antidepressants.Tricyclic antidepressants are less commonly prescribed, since they are more prone to dangerous adverse effects. However, certain drugs within this class, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Clomipramine (Cadorax), can be effective in treating anxiety. MAOIs (reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A) are not commonly prescribed due to their high adverse effects. However, they can aid in the treatment of certain forms of anxiety. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Anxivan).Antidepressants are not the only drugs that can ease anxiety. Beta-blockers and other medications can be used to treat anxiousness. Benzodiazepines provide immediate relief but are associated with serious risks. They should only be taken for short periods of time.Psychotherapy is more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders. Your psychiatrist or psychologist will help you develop skills to ease your symptoms and find ways to deal with them. You can control anxiety by keeping a log that includes relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, making diet changes and exercising more as well as joining an anxiety support group and applying other strategies.You can make a difference by adhering to your treatment plan and going to sessions regularly. Do not give up even if you’ve had bad days. Make sure you keep your appointments with your doctor and do not stop taking your medication if taking medication.Beta-blockersBeta blockers are an option for those who experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding chest, sweaty hands, or chest tightness. These medications are usually prescribed for heart conditions but have been found to decrease anxiety-related symptoms. They block receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone that causes stress) binds to, stopping it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Contrary to antidepressants, beta blockers don’t affect serotonin levels, but instead slow the heart rate, which helps alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. A few examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine, also known as Atarax or Vistaril, is a different option to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. These medications are prescribed only when needed and aren’t meant to be used long-term.If you’re given these medications, it’s important to discuss any adverse effects that could occur with your doctor. They should also speak with their doctor prior to taking these medications if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. anxiety disorder help -blockers may lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some can even worsen symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome in those suffering from the condition.A psychiatrist, medical doctor who specializes in mental health is trained to diagnose and treat anxiety. They are able to diagnose anxiety disorders, and prescribe medication, as well as other treatments. A psychiatrist can be especially helpful for people with severe anxiety who are having difficulty coping without medication, and who often feel ashamed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will take into consideration a patient’s medical history as well as their preferences and other factors to determine the best medication. They also keep track of the patient’s progress as well as any adverse side effects in the course of time. They can alter dosages as needed. They will also address any other issues that a patient might have, such as sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. It is recommended to combine anxiety medication with psychotherapy or another treatment. It is important to remember that medication only dulls or eases anxiety, and can cause a person to become dependent on the medication.PsychotherapyTreatment for anxiety disorders can be achieved using a variety of psychotherapy techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential element of any treatment plan to treat anxiety disorders. Other types of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and exposure therapy. Each of these approaches has been shown to be effective in helping people learn to manage their anxiety.Psychologists, psychiatrists and other specialists 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 anxieties.Anxiety can be a major issue and make every day tasks difficult to complete. It can also cause a number of physical problems like stomach upset, heart palpitations, insomnia, and trouble concentration. Your therapist will not only address the symptoms, but will also show you how to deal with the difficulties.Antidepressants are the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally preferred because they have fewer side effects than older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants. These medications, which take up to six weeks to reach full effectiveness, are typically used to treat depression that is underlying as well.Other medications that are sometimes prescribed for anxiety include sedatives, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), which aid in muscle relaxation. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms, like trembling, nausea, sweating, and breathing difficulty. In certain instances doctors might prescribe an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril) for allergies that can trigger anxiety symptoms.Psychotherapy, which is referred to as talk therapy, is an important component of any anxiety treatment plan. Your therapist can help you identify the negative distortions that are in your anxious thoughts and replace them with calm, realistic statements. Your therapist will also help you to face the situations that trigger your anxiety, instead of avoiding them, to build confidence in your ability to handle these issues.Other medicationAnxiety is a common disorder which has many treatments. Some people find that medication can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. This is in addition to other methods and therapies. The most common types of medication used to treat anxiety include antidepressants benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and buspirone.Antidepressants are often prescribed as the first line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Treatments in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually prescribed, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that enhance your mood and reduce anxiety.Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, can be used to treat extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They can decrease a person’s stress response within minutes by increasing the relaxing effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They also aid in reducing the rate of heartbeat sweating, trembling, and sweating. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and shouldn’t be used for more than 4 weeks.Beta blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can be helpful for people with a anxiety disorder or phobia by assisting in controlling their heart rate. They also block the effects of norepinephrine, which is a hormone that plays a role in the fight or flight response. These medications can be used on a regular basis to reduce anxiety.Buspirone is a natural substance that is found in the body and is closely related to GABA, helps relax the nervous system. It is often prescribed to treat phobias or sensitization to light and noise. It is often used to treat sleep problems.Psychotherapy or talk therapy is another effective treatment option for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT is believed to be the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This therapy method teaches you to change your thought patterns and learn new ways to deal with anxiety. It includes exposure therapy that gradually exposes yourself to objects or situations that can trigger anxiety to build confidence.