What is the Best Drug For Anxiety Disorder?
There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat anxiety disorders. However, very little progress has been made in the development of new medications. Neuropeptides and other agents have shown potential in studies.
The most well-known medication is a benzodiazepine. These are tranquilizers that act quickly and include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). They provide immediate relief, but may have serious side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax help by increasing GABA, a chemical in the brain. They calm the nervous system and provide quick relief, but they can also become addictive if used long-term. generalized anxiety disorder increase the chance of having a seizure if you take them along with other medications, like antidepressants.
They are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions such as alcohol withdrawal and aggression and muscle spasms, seizures and REM sleep disorder. They are also an effective anxiolytic and hypnotic. Their use is controversial, however, as they aren't suitable for everyone. They can trigger side effects like drowsiness, confusion and dizziness. Some people can become dependent on them. This could cause addiction. They can also have an unintentional rebound. It is not recommended to use them for more than two weeks.
The drugs are typically absorbed quickly, and begin to take effect within minutes. They aid in blocking the neurotransmitters' activity, which can send excessively stimulating signals to the brain. They also reduce the production of adrenaline, which is a stress-related hormone. They also hinder the development of new memories that could cause anxiety and panic.
There are a variety of different kinds of benzodiazepines. Each has a different effect. Your doctor will prescribe one that is suited to your needs and preferences, and you'll be able to distinguish the difference based on how it affects you. Some of them are short-acting and last only a few hours, while others are more long-lasting and are able to be used when needed.
Another medication that may help to reduce anxiety and hypnotic signs is the beta blocker Propranolol which is typically prescribed for social anxiety and public speaking. It can also help reduce the adverse effects of benzodiazepine such as orthostatic hypnotic hypotension (when blood pressure drops when standing up) bradycardia, sedation and bradycardia.
Antidepressants take longer to effect but can help with anxiety, hypnotic signs and anxiolytics in some people. They accomplish this by regulating and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are not the first-line treatment however, they can be used as needed in conjunction with benzodiazepines combat anxiety in the acute stage.
Sleeping Medicines
It is normal to feel stressed or anxious from time to time. If these feelings are affecting your daily life you might want to consult a mental health professional. Psychologists are trained in medication management, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate anxiety medication based on your medical background, diagnosis and personal preferences.
SSRIs are prescribed by doctors to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs boost levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and appetite. They also help improve your sleep and decrease anxiety. Typical SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline citalopram and escitalopram. SSRIs can take a few weeks to start working and may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction or insomnia.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are quick-acting drugs that can give immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. Benzos, controlled substances which target gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) can slow the brain and body down when you are feeling overexcited. They can also relieve seizures and pain and are commonly used to treat disorders such as PTSD, GAD, and panic disorder. Benzos can cause a habit and have dangerous side effects, including memory issues and a higher chance of developing addiction. Benzos can also cause dizziness, sedation confusion, and a decrease in pulse rate.
Beta blockers, including propranolol are a different category of medication for anxiety that are prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of anxiety. These drugs are normally prescribed to treat heart conditions. However they can also be used by people with anxiety to reduce blood pressure and heart rates as well as to alleviate asthma symptoms. Beta blockers can cause severe side effects, which include liver damage, hepatitis, and heart attacks in people with certain preexisting conditions.
Many new medications are in the process of being developed and tested for anxiety disorders. Drugs that target glutamate and neuropeptides and other chemicals that affect the mind, are among these. However, only a few have made it to Phase III trials for anxiety disorders, in comparison to the amount of new medications being developed and tested for PTSD, OCD, depression and bipolar disorder.
Antidepressants
Treatments for anxiety disorders are generally known as antidepressants. There are many different types of medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. However they all have similar effects on the body and brain. It is essential to consult an expert in health prior to taking any medication for anxiety.
SSRIs like fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline are often the first option to treat anxiety. These medications increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the brain that improves communication between nerve cells. They can also boost levels of the hormone norepinephrine, which helps to regulate mood. SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and citalopram (Celexa) are commonly prescribed. They act in a similar manner to SSRIs however they have less adverse effects.
Atypical antidepressants, like mirtazapine (Zoloft) and Clonidine (Ursamin) are a second kind of medication for anxiety that work similarly to SNRIs and SSRIs. They can be effective, but they need a longer time to begin working. Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin, gabapentin, and tiagabine may also aid in reducing anxiety. GABAergic medications increase the activity of the receptors which block neurotransmitters, and reduce anxiety.
Beta-blockers, traditionally used to treat heart ailments can also be used to treat anxiety. Propranolol (Benadryl), for example can be prescribed off-label for anxiety related to performance, such as stage fright to lower the adrenaline rush that causes shaking and an elevated heart rate.
Off-label, other medicines are also available to treat anxiety. One of them is hydroxyzine (Visitor) which is a powerful antihistamine that is able to relax muscles and induce sleepiness. This medication is used to reduce anxiety when itching is present from allergies. More research is needed on these medications however, they have shown promise in initial studies.
Other Medical Treatments
For people with long-term anxiety, psychiatric professionals recommend that they try other medications. They typically consist of a mix of antidepressants with other types of drugs, such as sedatives and sleep medications. They are long-term use and have a lower addiction risk than benzodiazepines. However, they may be associated with side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation.
The first line of treatment for anxiety is antidepressants including selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs, which target the brain chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin. These include citalopram and sertraline, escitalopram, and paroxetine. Antidepressants like duloxetine, Cymbalta and venlafaxine Effexor XR can also be helpful for anxiety disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants, like mirtazapine (Remeron) could also help.
Drugs that affect the neurotransmitter GABA have been found to ease anxiety, particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Pregabalin is among them, as are gabapentin and Tiagabine. They work by affecting calcium channels within the nervous system that reduces neurotransmitter release. These are also effective in treating neuropathic and herpes neuralgia, the fibromyalgia syndrome, some seizures and fibromyalgia.
Another alternative is a benzodiazepine which can be useful for anxiety-related symptoms that are acute for a short period of time however, it should only be administered under medical supervision. These sedatives can be addictive and can worsen anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists are highly trained to assess your needs and develop a medication plan that is appropriate for you.
MAOIs are an older type medication that is prescribed to treat social fears. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within your body. These are typically prescribed at a low dosage and then gradually increased to avoid side effects such as low sodium levels and nausea.
The most effective approach to anxiety disorders is a tri-pronged one, which includes exercise, psychotherapy and medication. Each person's approach to treatment is different, but the majority find relief by combining these treatments. Your therapist will help you learn cognitive behavioral therapy which assists you in changing your thoughts, emotions and behavior. They might also suggest accepting and committing therapy which teaches you to accept negative thoughts and fears instead of trying to ignore them.