What is the Best Drug For Anxiety Disorder?
Although there are plenty of medications that can help with anxiety disorders, there has been little progress in the development of new ones. However, studies on neuropeptides as well as other agents show promising results.
The most common medication to combat anxiety is a benzodiazepine. Alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam, and other tranquilizers that are fast-acting are included. They provide quick relief but may have severe side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Lorazepam are able to boost the brain chemical GABA. They calm the nervous systems and provide rapid relief but they can become addicting if they are used for a long period of time. They also increase the risk of developing a seizure when you combine them along with other medications, including antidepressants.
They are prescribed to treat a variety of ailments that include alcohol withdrawal and aggression seizures, muscle spasms, seizures and REM sleep behavior disorder. They also work as anxiolytics and hypnotics. Their use is controversial however, as they aren't suitable for everyone. They can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Certain people are at risk of becoming dependent on them, which may lead to addiction, and can cause a dangerous rebound effect. It is not recommended to use them for more than two weeks.
These drugs are absorbed quickly and begin working within a matter of minutes. They work by blocking neurotransmitters that send overly stimulating signals to the brain. They also decrease the production of adrenaline, a hormone that is linked to stress. They also hinder the development of new memories that could cause anxiety and panic.
There are a variety of different kinds of benzodiazepines, each having an effect that is slightly different. Your doctor will prescribe one that is suited to your specific needs and you'll be in a position to tell the difference by the way it affects you. Some are short-acting, lasting only a few minutes, while others can be used whenever needed.
Another medication that may help to reduce anxiety and hypnotic symptoms is the beta blocker Propranolol which is typically prescribed for social anxiety and public speaking. It also helps reduce the adverse effects of benzodiazepines such as orthostatic hypotension (when your blood pressure decreases when you stand up) and bradycardia (low heart rate) and sedation.
Antidepressants take a lot longer to work, however they can reduce anxiety and hypnotic and anxiolytic symptoms in some individuals. They do this by controlling and balancing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and norepinephrine. They are not first-line treatments however they can be used as necessary in conjunction with benzodiazepines combat anxiety in the acute stage.
Sleeping Medications
Feeling stressed or nervous from time to time is normal in life, but if the anxiety is hindering your daily routine It could be the right time to talk to a mental health professional. Psychologists have extensive experience in the management of medications and can help you choose the right anxiety medications for you, taking into consideration your diagnosis, medical history and preferences.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are one of the first drugs that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders , and they work well for those suffering from depression too. SSRIs boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates appetite and mood. They can also improve your sleep and reduce anxiety. The most common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. SSRIs can take a few weeks to kick in and can trigger adverse effects like insomnia or sexual dysfunction.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are powerful medications that provide immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Benzos, controlled substances which target gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) can slow the brain and the body down when feeling overexcited. They can also relieve seizures and pain, and are often used to treat conditions like PTSD, GAD, and panic disorder. Benzos are addictive, and they can cause memory problems addiction, and other potentially dangerous adverse effects. Benzos can also cause sedation and dizziness. They can also lead to confusion, a decrease in heart rate, and dizziness.
Beta blockers, such as propranolol, are another class of anxiety medications that are available off-label to treat symptoms of anxiety. These medications are typically prescribed to treat heart problems. However they can also be used by people suffering from anxiety to lower heart rate and blood pressure and to ease asthma symptoms. Beta blockers have serious side effects including liver damage and hepatitis among those with preexisting health conditions.
There are a variety of new medications being developed and tested to treat anxiety disorders. These include drugs that target glutamate, neuropeptides and other chemical compounds in the brain. However, few have advanced to Phase III trials for anxiety disorders, compared to the number of medications in development and testing for PTSD, OCD, depression and bipolar disorder.
Antidepressants
Medications used to treat anxiety disorders are generally referred to as antidepressants. There are many different kinds of medicines that doctors and health professionals employ to treat anxiety disorders however, they all have the same effects on the body and mind. It's important to talk to a health care provider before taking any medication for anxiety.
SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are usually the first treatment option for anxiety. These medications increase levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain, which enhances communication between nerve cells. They may also increase levels of the hormone norepinephrine, which helps to regulate mood. SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and citalopram (Celexa), are also commonly prescribed. They work similarly to SSRIs but they have less side-effects.
Atypical antidepressants, like mirtazapine (Zoloft) and Clonidine (Ursamin) are a different kind of medication for anxiety that function similarly to SSRIs and SNRIs. They are effective, but it takes a long time to start working. Drugs that work on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, such as anticonvulsants such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) and tiagabine (Lamotrigine), may also help with anxiety. GABAergic medications boost the activity of receptors that block neurotransmitters, reducing anxiety.
Beta-blockers, which are traditionally used to treat heart issues can also be employed to treat anxiety. Propranolol, also referred to as Benadryl can be used to treat anxiety disorders like performance anxiety.
Off-label, other medications can also be prescribed to treat anxiety. One of them is hydroxyzine (Visitor), a powerful antihistamine that can relax muscles and induce sleepiness. This is commonly used to treat anxiety that is accompanied by itching from allergies. These medications need further research however, preliminary studies show potential.
Other Medical Treatments
Psychiatrists suggest that those suffering from anxiety who have suffered for a long time, try other medications. These are usually a mixture of antidepressants as well as other kinds of drugs, including sleep or sedatives. These are usually used on a long-term basis, and have a lower chance of addiction than benzodiazepines although they do have side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.
Antidepressants are the initial line of treatment for anxiety. They include selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which focus on brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. They include citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). The antidepressants duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also useful for treating anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine, (Remeron), can also be beneficial.
Antidepressants and medications that influence GABA, the neurotransmitter, have been shown to reduce anxiety. These include pregabalin, gabapentin and tiagabine as well as lamotrigine. They work by altering the calcium channels in your nervous system, which decreases neurotransmitter release. These are also effective in treating herpes and neuropathic neuralgia, as well as seizures, fibromyalgia and fibromyalgia.
Another option is a benzodiazepine, which can be beneficial for acute anxiety symptoms for a short period of time however, it should only be used under close medical supervision. These sedatives are addictive and may exacerbate the anxiety disorder in its initial. Psychologists are well-trained to assess your needs and formulate the right medication plan appropriate for you.
The final medication that can be prescribed is an MAOI which is a more traditional type of drug that treats panic disorder and other social anxiety disorders by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your body. The drugs are typically prescribed at a low dosage and gradually increased to avoid any adverse effects, like nausea and low sodium levels.
The most effective method to combat anxiety disorders is to use a three-pronged approach, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Each person's approach to treatment differs, but most people find relief using a combination of these treatments. Your therapist will instruct you on cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you to alter your thoughts, feelings and behavior. They might also suggest accepting and committing to therapy, which teaches how to accept negative emotions and concerns instead of trying to ignore them.