What is the Best Drug For Anxiety Disorder?
Although there are a variety of drugs that can aid in treating anxiety disorders but there has been no progress in the development of new ones. Neuropeptides and other agents have shown potential in studies.
The most common medication is a benzodiazepine. These are fast-acting tranquilizers that include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). They offer quick relief, but can have serious side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, like Valium, Xanax and Lorazepam they work by increasing the brain chemical GABA. They relax the nervous system and provide swift relief, but can become addictive if used long-term. You also run a higher chance of having seizures when you combine them with other medications, including antidepressants.
They are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including alcohol withdrawal as well as agitation, aggression spasms, seizures and REM sleep disorder. They also function as an anti-anxiolytic and hypnotic. However their use is not without controversy because they aren't suitable for all people. They can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness and confusion. Some people may become dependent on them. This could result in addiction. They can also have an unintentional rebound. It is not recommended to use them for longer than two weeks.
These drugs are absorbed quickly and begin to work within minutes. They assist in reducing the neurotransmitters' activities that transmit excessively stimulating signals to the brain. They also reduce the production of adrenaline, a stress-related hormone. They also stop the formation of new memories, which can lead to anxiety and panic.
There are a variety of different kinds of benzodiazepines, each with an effect that is slightly different. Your doctor will prescribe one to match your individual needs and you'll be able to discern the difference by how it affects you. Some are short-acting and last only several hours, whereas others have a longer-lasting effect and can be used as needed.
Another medication that can help 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 drops when you stand up), bradycardia (low heart rate) and sedation.
Antidepressants are slower to work but they can aid in reducing anxiety, hypnotic symptoms, and anxiolytics in certain people. They do this by regulating and balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and norepinephrine. However they're not considered to be the first-line treatment for PD and could be more useful on an as-needed basis in combination with benzodiazepines to treat acute anxiety.
Sleeping Medicines
It is normal to feel stressed or anxious at times. If these feelings are affecting your everyday life, you may want to seek out a mental health professional. Psychologists have extensive experience in managing medication and can assist you in choosing the right anxiety medication for you, taking into consideration your medical history, diagnosis and personal preferences.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also known as SSRIs, are one of the first drugs doctors use to treat anxiety disorders and they work well for those suffering from depression as well. SSRIs boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which regulates appetite and mood. They also help improve your sleep and decrease anxiety. The most common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include sertraline citalopram and escitalopram. SSRIs may take a couple of weeks before they begin to work and can cause adverse effects such as insomnia or sexual dysfunction.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are quick-acting drugs that give immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. Benzos, controlled substances that target gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), can slow the brain and the body down when you are experiencing excessive excitement. They can also ease seizures and pain and are commonly used to treat ailments such as PTSD, GAD and panic disorder. Benzos can be habit forming and can cause dangerous adverse effects, such as memory problems and a higher risk of addiction. Benzos can cause dizziness, sedation, confusion and a lower pulse rate.
Beta blockers, including propranolol, are another class of anti-anxiety medications that are available off-label in order to lessen the symptoms of anxiety. Typically, these medications are used to treat heart ailments, but they can be used to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in those suffering from anxiety and they can also reduce symptoms of asthma. Beta blockers can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, hepatitis and heart attacks for those with certain preexisting conditions.
Many new medications are in the process of being developed and evaluated for anxiety disorders. These include drugs that target neuropeptides, glutamate and other chemicals found in the brain. Fewer drugs have reached Phase III trials in anxiety disorder s compared to new medications being designed and tested for PTSD, OCD and depression.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. There are many different kinds of medications that health care providers prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. However they all have similar effects on the brain and body. It is essential to consult an expert in health before taking any medication to treat anxiety.
SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are typically the first option for treating anxiety. These medications increase levels the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which improves communication between nerve cells. They can 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 act in a similar manner to SSRIs however, they have fewer adverse effects.
Atypical antidepressants, like mirtazapine (Zoloft) and Clonidine (Ursamin) are a different class of anxiety medications that work in a similar way to SSRIs and SNRIs. They can be effective, but they require a longer time to begin working. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin, gabapentin and tiagabine could aid in reducing anxiety. GABAergic medications increase the activity of receptors that block neurotransmitters, reducing anxiety.
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety and heart problems. disorders anxiety (Benadryl) is one example is a non-prescription drug for performance anxiety like stage fright to lower the adrenaline rush that causes shaking and elevated heart rate.
Off-label, other medications are also available to treat anxiety. One of these is hydroxyzine (Visitor) which is a powerful antihistamine that can relax muscles and induce sleepiness. It is frequently used to treat anxiety that is associated with itching from allergies. Further research is needed for these drugs however, they have shown promise in early studies.
Other Medical Treatments
For those suffering from long-term anxiety, psychiatrists recommend that they look into other treatments. These are usually a combination of antidepressants and other forms of drugs, like sedatives or sleep medications. These are used long-term and have a lower risk than benzodiazepines. However, they do have side effects like constipation and dry mouth.
Antidepressants are the first option for treating anxiety. These include selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which target 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 anxiety disorder. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, (Remeron), can also be helpful.
Drugs that affect the neurotransmitter GABA have been found to reduce anxiety, especially when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Pregabalin is one of them, as are gabapentin and Tiagabine. They affect calcium channels in the nervous system which reduces neurotransmitter releases. They also work for neuropathic pain, herpes neuralgia, fibromyalgia and some seizures.
Another alternative is a benzodiazepine which can be beneficial for anxiety-related symptoms that are acute on a temporary basis, but should only be administered under medical supervision. These sedatives can be addictive and can aggravate the original anxiety disorder. Psychologists have a wealth of experience taking a look at your needs and putting together an effective medication management plan that works for you.
MAOIs are an older kind of medicine that is used to treat social anxiety. They are effective by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that your body produces. These are usually started at a low dosage and then gradually increased to avoid side negative effects like low sodium levels and nausea.
The most effective approach to anxiety disorders is a three-pronged one, which includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The combination is different for each person, however most find relief with the combination of these treatments. Your therapist will assist you to develop a cognitive behavioral therapy program that helps you change your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. They may also suggest acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps you to accept your worries and fears instead of trying to push them away.