What Are the Best Medications For Anxiety Disorders?
A three-prong approach is often suggested for treating anxiety disorders: psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The first-choice medications for anxiety are antidepressants. Newer medications that have less risk of suicide and less side effects, such as mirtazapine and nefazodone are better tolerated over antidepressants from the past, such as tCAs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
The majority of people reduce their anxiety symptoms by taking medications that reduce fear signals in the brain. These include SNRIs or SSRIs.
Benzodiazepines
These drugs act by facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at various receptors throughout the central nervous system. They are considered a more safe and less toxic category of CNS depressants than their predecessors barbiturates. They are used to treat seizure disorders as anxiolytics and anticonvulsants. They are prescribed in low dosages, and are less likely than older medications to cause anticholinergic toxicities or delirium. However, there are significant dangers and side effects that need to be assessed prior to taking these drugs. For instance, long-term use of benzodiazepines may impair memory and cause withdrawal symptoms, especially when the drug is used in conjunction with other CNS depressants such as opioids or alcohol. It also may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants in certain people. The use of benzodiazepines is not recommended for children or geriatric patients and should be avoided with medical conditions such as depression.
They are available in a variety of strengths and formulations, and have different pharmacological characteristics. They differ in the speed at which they work and how long they last, as well as their side effects. The benzodiazepines with longer-acting effects like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) as well as clorazepate (Tranxene) and Clobazam (Onfi) and diazepam (Valium) are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, while alprazolam (Xanax), the lorazepam (Ativan) and midazolam (Versed) are used to induce anesthesia and for seizures and other seizures disorders.
The most frequent benzodiazepine side effects are constipation dry mouth, fatigue and blurred vision. Some people may also feel headaches, nausea and weight loss. However, these effects are generally mild and disappear with continued use. It is better to lower the dose of benzodiazepines rather then stopping them abruptly, as they can trigger withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and irritability.
SSRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), the SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake stimulators), atypical antidepressants like mirtazapine, and beta blockers are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs and SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help reduce anxiety. Atypical antidepressants increase these chemicals through different pathways and can treat other mental disorders, such as depression. Beta-blockers, commonly heart medications, may also be used in low doses to treat anxiety like stage fright, by blocking the adrenaline rush, which causes heartbeats to be rapid and shakey.
SSRIs
The most commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications increase levels of serotonin - the neurotransmitter that influences mood. They also increase levels of norepinephrine - another neurotransmitter that affects mood. Paroxetine and fluoxetine are the most popular SSRIs used to treat anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft) and nefazodone (Serzone).
Other medications can also help with anxiety-related symptoms. These include antihistamines (e.g. the hydroxyzine) as well as beta and alpha blockers (e.g. propranolol, propranolol, and clonidine) and benzodiazepines. Antihistamines are particularly helpful in the event of a panic attack. They can trigger a feeling of drowsiness, which can ease anxiety. However, they can have negative effects, such as dry mouth, constipation and sedation. You can also be at risk if you take them while driving.
Benzodiazepines which are sedatives, work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters that transmit signals between brain cells. These medications can help you relax and sleep, but are typically prescribed for short-term use. These medications can become addictive, so it is recommended to only take them under the supervision of a doctor.
Tricyclic antidepressants, which are older medications, can also be effective in treating anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your body. They are usually started with a small dose, and then gradually increased. Certain medicines may cause weight increase as well as dry mouth, sedation and urinary tract problems, as well as arrhythmias.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are older antidepressants that have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety however, they are not widely utilized due to the risk of adverse effects such as weight gain, dry mouth and sedation. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can also interact with certain food items and medications, such as SSRIs, birth control pills, cold and allergy medicine as well as acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
The right medication to manage anxiety can help you feel more at ease and in control of your life. It is also important to master techniques for managing stress. The most important steps are avoiding unhealthy food and exercising, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and removing news stories or readings that may cause anxiety. You can also join a support group for anxiety to connect with other people who have similar issues and learn strategies for dealing with anxiety.
Tricyclic antidepressants
A variety of medications are able to treat anxiety disorders, including benzodiazepines and SSRIs as well as tricyclic antidepressants. Certain of these drugs can increase the levels of specific brain chemicals such as serotonin or norepinephrine. These medications can be used on a regular basis or as required. Certain drugs require a few week to work but they can help eliminate anxiety or make it more manageable. They will not work when you stop taking the medication.
SSRIs are a preferred choice for treating anxiety, and they can also be used to help prevent the symptoms from recurring. They include citalopram, fluvoxamine, escitalopram and sertraline. SSRIs have minimal side-effects and generally safe. SSRIs may be combined with other treatments for anxiety, such as exercise or psychotherapy.
Beta blockers are a different kind of medication that can be used for anxiety. These are usually prescribed for heart conditions however they can be beneficial for people with anxiety and phobias. They help reduce anxiety symptoms by reducing heart rate and reducing blood pressure. The most commonly used beta blockers are propranolol and atenolol.
People suffering from anxiety disorder or panic are able to benefit from sedatives when needed, like lorazepam. These medications can be taken before an event that is stressful and help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. They can become habit-forming, therefore it is essential to only use them as necessary.
In general, SSRIs or SNRIs are often used as first-line medication to treat anxiety. They are safe, well-tolerated, and have a high efficacy in controlled, randomized trials. However, the idiosyncratic characteristics of drugs and the comorbidities of patients should be taken into consideration. A patient with a depressive history may need a higher dosage than someone without.
Monoamine oxidase (MAOI) is the most effective treatment for anxiety related to performance or social. These medications increase the number of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, and are typically initially administered at low doses, and then gradually increased. They can be taken alone or in conjunction with benzodiazepine. Many medications, like SSRIs, some birth control pills, acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cold and allergy medicines, and herbal supplements can interact with MAOIs therefore it is essential to discuss your options for medication with your physician.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
There are a myriad of medications that treat anxiety disorders. Many are effective for the majority of people. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Benzodiazepines act as GABA-A agonists and are useful in the short term to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are also helpful in reducing seizures, muscle spasms and hypnotic state. They can be addictive and are not recommended for long-term use. Antidepressants however, can help to reduce depression and anxiety. These medications can take up to six weeks to begin working however they are extremely efficient for the majority of people. These drugs can cause sexual side effects in a few individuals, but these are generally manageable.
SSRIs, as well as SNRIs, raise levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, two important hormones and neurotransmitters that influence mood. These are typically the first-line treatment options for most anxiety disorders. They can be used daily to control symptoms or when needed. Antidepressants can cause dry mouth, nausea, and weight gain. They also increase the risk of suicidal thought and suicide, so it is recommended to limit your use to as long as you need to.
Another option is beta-blockers which are typically used to treat heart conditions. Propranolol or Inderal, is often prescribed for the treatment of social anxiety disorder off-label. This medication is an excellent option to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, including shaking and high blood pressure. It also helps to reduce stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine, which are present during a heightened state of anxiety.
Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and tiagabine exhibit GABAergic effects. These medications are FDA approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain and can also be effective as an antidepressant in some individuals.
TCAs are also tricyclic antidepressants that boost the levels of serotonin within the brain. They also reduce the activity of monoamine oxide, which is responsible for breaking down these chemicals. They can also be used to reduce the effects of mania and bipolar disorder. These medications can cause a number of side effects including dry mouth and sedation. They may also increase your risk of hypotension retention, urinary hesitancy and arrhythmias.