What is the Best Drug For Anxiety Disorder?

Although there are plenty of drugs that can aid in treating anxiety disorders however, there has been very little advancement in the development of new medications. Neuropeptides and other agents have shown promise in studies.

The most commonly used medication to treat anxiety is a benzodiazepine. Alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam, and other fast-acting tranquilizers are also included. These medications provide immediate relief, however they can also cause serious side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax and Lorazepam, work by enhancing the brain chemical GABA. They relax the nervous system and provide quick relief, but they can also 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 with certain other medications, such as antidepressants.

They are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions that include alcohol withdrawal, agitation or aggression, seizures, muscle spasms 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 trigger side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Certain people are at risk for becoming dependent on them, which may result in addiction, and they can have a dangerous rebound effect. They are not recommended for use for more than two weeks.

These drugs are absorbed quickly and begin to work within a matter of minutes. They help by blocking the activity of neurotransmitters that transmit over-stimulating signals to brain. They also decrease the body's production of the stress hormone called adrenaline. They also prevent the formation new memories that could cause anxiety and panic.

There are many kinds of benzodiazepines, each having a slightly different effect. You'll be able to determine the difference based on how you feel. Your doctor will prescribe a benzodiazepine prescription that matches your needs. Some are short-acting and last only a few minutes, while others are able to be used at any time.

Another medication that can reduce anxiety and hypnotic symptoms is beta blocker Propranolol that is commonly prescribed for social anxiety and public speaking. It can also reduce the negative effects of benzodiazepines, like orthostatic hypotension (when your blood pressure decreases when you stand up) as well as bradycardia (low heart rate) and sedation.

Antidepressants take longer to take effect, but can reduce anxiety and anxiolytic and hypnotic symptoms for some people. They do so by regulating and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They aren't the first-line treatment, but they can be used as necessary in conjunction with benzodiazepines to combat anxiety in the acute stage.

Sleeping Medicines

It is normal to feel stressed or anxious at times. However, if these feelings are interfering with your day-to-day activities it is recommended to speak with a mental health professional. Psychiatrists have extensive training in medication management and can help you select the right anxiety medication for you, taking into account your medical history, diagnosis and personal preferences.

SSRIs are used by doctors to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which regulates mood and appetite. They also help improve your sleep and decrease anxiety. Sertraline, citalopram, as well as Escitalopram are the most common SSRIs that are used to combat anxiety. SSRIs can take a few weeks before they begin to work, and they can have adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction or insomnia.

Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are powerful medications that offer immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. Benzos are controlled substances that target the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and can reduce the brain and body when you feel overexcited. They can also ease seizures and pain and are commonly used to treat disorders such as PTSD, GAD and panic disorder. Benzos are a substance that can become habit-forming and cause serious negative effects, including memory issues and a higher risk of addiction. Benzos can cause dizziness, sedation confusion, and a decrease in pulse rate.

Beta blockers like propranolol are another class anxiety medication that can be prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat heart ailments. However, they can be used by people suffering from anxiety to reduce blood pressure and heart rates as well as to alleviate asthma symptoms. Beta blockers can cause serious side effects, including hepatitis and liver damage in people with preexisting conditions.

There are numerous new drugs being developed and tested to treat anxiety disorder brain disorders. Drugs that target neuropeptides and glutamate, as well as other brain-related chemicals are among these. Fewer drugs have reached Phase III trials in anxiety disorders as compared to new medicines being designed and tested for PTSD, OCD and depression.

Antidepressants

Treatments for mild anxiety disorder disorders are typically called antidepressants. There are several kinds of medicines that health care providers use to treat anxiety disorders, however, they all have similar effects on the brain and body. Before taking any medication to treat anxiety, it's important to speak with a doctor.

SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are typically the first option for treating anxiety. These medications boost levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain, which improves communication between nerve cells. They may also increase the levels of norepinephrine which helps regulate mood. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and citalopram (Celexa), are also frequently prescribed. They work in a similar manner to SSRIs but they have less side-effects.

Atypical antidepressants like mirtazapine (Zoloft), and clonidine, (Ursamin) are a different class of anxiety medication that works similarly to SNRIs or SSRIs. They are effective, but they require more time to start working. The medications that affect the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, including anticonvulsants such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) and tiagabine (Lamotrigine), may also be beneficial for anxiety. GABAergic medications boost the activity of the receptors that block neurotransmitters and decrease anxiety.

Beta-blockers, which are typically used to treat heart problems are also used to treat anxiety. Propranolol, also known as Benadryl can be used to treat anxiety disorders such as performance anxiety.

Other medications can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety treatment, such as hydroxyzine (Visitor) an antihistamine that helps relax muscles and cause sleepiness. It is used to reduce anxiety when itching is present from allergies. These medicines require further study, but preliminary studies suggest promise.

Other Medicines

For people who suffer from chronic anxiety, psychiatric professionals recommend that they try other treatments. These are usually a combination of antidepressants and other types of drugs, like sleep or sedatives. They are typically used on a long-term basis, and have a lower chance of addiction than benzodiazepines, however, they can have side effects such as dry mouth and constipation.

The first option of medication for anxiety are antidepressants, including selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs, which target the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These include citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). Antidepressants such as duloxetine Cymbalta, and venlafaxine, Effexor XR can also be helpful for anxiety disorder. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron), can also be helpful.

Drugs that affect the neurotransmitter GABA have been proven to help with anxiety, particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Pregabalin is one of them, as are gabapentin and tiagabine. They affect calcium channels within the nervous system that reduces neurotransmitter release. These are also effective in treating herpes and neuropathy neuralgia as well as fibromyalgia, some seizures, and fibromyalgia.

Another option is a benzodiazepine, which is a good option for anxiety-related symptoms that are acute on a temporary basis, but should only be used under close medical supervision. These sedatives are addictive and can worsen anxiety disorders. Psychologists have extensive experience in the assessment of your needs and in developing a medication management plan that works for you.

MAOIs are an older type medicine that is used to treat social fears. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in your body. They are typically started at a low dosage and gradually increased to prevent side effects such as low sodium levels and nausea.

The most effective way to combat generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis disorders is to use a three-pronged approach that includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The exact combination will vary for each individual, but the majority of people find relief using the combination of these methods. Your therapist will help you learn cognitive behavioral therapy which assists you in changing your thoughts, emotions and behavior. They may also suggest acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps you to accept your fears and negative emotions instead of trying to eliminate them.