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Anxiety Treatment Medications People with anxiety disorders usually improve with psychotherapy and medication. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam). Antidepressants can also treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram are effective in preventing nerve cells in the mind from reabsorbing serotonin. This chemical affects mood. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines (benzos) are powerful medications that are effective in treating anxiety and can be used quickly. However, they are physically addictive and pose significant safety risks when used over long periods of time. They should be taken only under the supervision of a medical professional. They are an “as-needed” treatment for panic attacks and other anxiety-related episodes that are severe. Benzos are often used in conjunction with other medicines like antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy), as part of an overall anxiety disorder treatment plan. Benzos are extremely effective in managing anxiety for a short period of time, and also help you sleep well. They can be hazardous if abused and are not recommended to be used alongside other medicines. When mixed with sedative substances like alcohol or opioid pain medication, benzodiazepines could increase the risk of a fatal overdose and even death. They may also interact with some antidepressants, which can cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. When prescribed by your doctor If prescribed by your doctor, benzodiazepines are efficient and safe for treating anxiety disorders. Many doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they can cause dependence and negative side effects, such as memory loss. Long-term use can cause severe withdrawal reactions and those who become dependent are typically incapable of stopping their use without experiencing severe side effects like depression and seizures. The key to long-term benzo use is to use them only to patients who may benefit from them; use them in clinical situations that will likely improve anxiety symptoms; stay away from prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation; reduce the chance of abuse, particularly among children; and pair them with effective psychological treatments. Anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by blocking certain nerve signals and stopping them from firing in the brain. These drugs can make you sleepy and less anxious, but they will not address the root issue that causes you to worry. Meditation, exercise yoga, and meditation are all natural methods to lessen anxiety. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to challenge irrational fears and anxieties. Antidepressants SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a good option for people suffering from anxiety since they affect the brain to control mood. However, they can take four to six weeks or longer to start working. If one does not feel better during that time, they should talk with their doctor about changing medications. The latest antidepressants, like mirtazapine and nefazodone are also effective in treating anxiety. They may be more effective than older drugs such as venlafaxine XR. It's important to remember that these drugs can cause severe reactions in certain people. If you encounter this reaction, contact healthdirect on 1800 022222 to speak to a registered nurse. MAOIs are a different kind of antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety. They block the action of enzymes that degrade chemicals in the brain which include dopamine and noradrenaline. This allows levels of these chemicals, which can have a an impact positive on mood, to increase. MAOIs are usually reserved for those who don't respond well to other antidepressants. However, they can be very effective in treating anxiety. The most effective antidepressants for anxiety are tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are similar to SSRIs in their approach to treating anxiety and other mental disorders, but they have fewer negative side negative effects. These medications start with a low dose and their effectiveness increases as dose is increased. Tricyclics are effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, they may not be as effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Buspirone, a newer antidepressant, is also used to treat anxiety. It acts as a mild tranquilizer, but it doesn't have the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines. It doesn't affect the ability to concentrate and memory. It is a way of increasing serotonin levels in the brain and reducing dopamine. The drug can be effective for up to 70 per cent of people who take it. The adverse effects are likely to diminish as the medication is used for longer durations. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be utilized in conjunction with these medications to enhance the effects. Buspirone Buspirone is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders. It is taken orally, usually twice daily. It's not a regulated drug however, there is the potential for abuse. Doctors aren't quite sure how it works, but they think that buspirone decreases the amount and actions of a chemical called serotonin that is found in certain areas of the brain. This makes the nervous system less susceptible to anxiety and stress. In general, doctors consider buspirone as a drug that is safe for most people. It is generally considered to be less harmful and has a lower chance of addiction than benzodiazepines as well as barbiturates. However, like other medications they can trigger adverse reactions. Most common are dizziness and nausea. Buspirone can interact with other medications, supplements and other ingredients. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these prior to starting the drug. If you are over 65, your doctor might give you buspirone at a lower dose. This is because older individuals tend to react differently to drugs than younger ones. This is particularly true for drugs that affect the nervous system. Tell your doctor if any of these drugs are being taken by you. This includes isocarboxazid selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine. Buspirone can cause serious adverse side effects by increasing the dosage of these drugs. Consult your physician whether you suffer from kidney or liver diseases stomach problems, nursing or pregnant. Some medicines, such as SSRIs, may not be suitable for you under these circumstances. If buspirone isn't working or you are unable to take it due to a medical condition or interaction with other medications or other medication, your doctor will recommend an alternative treatment for anxiety . This could be a different type of antidepressant, like Lexapro or Prozac or a beta blocker, such as propranolol or a benzodiazepine like Xanax. The PIL will give more details on how to use the drug and possible side effects. Other Medical Treatments There are other treatments available that can reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a possible option. Psychotherapy can help you change the way you think about anxiety and teach you coping strategies to reduce anxiety. Other options include acquiring relaxation techniques as well as maintaining a regular exercise routine, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Herbal medicines can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety symptoms. If you try these alternatives and they aren't working, talk to your doctor. The two main types of drugs used to combat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan or lorazepam increase the activity of GABA in your brain, which increases calmness. They can provide relief quickly, but they can also be addictive if they are used over a long period of time. Antidepressants take longer to work however they can stabilize the levels in your brain of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters that influence your mood. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are the most well-known type of antidepressant for anxiety. They increase the level of serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain, which may improve your mood and help you feel less anxious. Another class of antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, prevent the reabsorption process of both serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, increasing levels of these chemicals, making you feel more energized. A third class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxide inhibitors, or MAOIs, is sometimes used to treat anxiety in people who don't respond to SSRIs. There are a myriad of other medicines that are often used to treat anxiety disorders, including azapirones (such as buspirone) as well as alpha- and beta-blockers, antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and Clonidine. These medications have a lower rate of success than SSRIs or benzodiazepines. Although medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it shouldn't always be employed. Alternative treatments are more effective if you have an underlying cause for your anxiety like food insecurity, debt, or an unhealthy relationship. Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), biofeedback (which will teach you how to manage your brain's waves by using a device to monitor them), and mindfulness meditation.