Medications For Anxiety Disorders

Many medications are available to treat anxiety disorders . Some examples are benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Speak to your doctor about the right medication for you.

SSRIs and SNRIs raise serotonin levels in the brain and inhibit its reuptake (a hormone or neurotransmitter). This can reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants

If your anxiety is causing serious issues in your daily life, a doctor who is specialized in mental health (psychiatrist) may recommend medication. There are a variety of different kinds of antidepressants available to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your doctor about possible negative side effects, risks and the benefits of each.

The most popular choice of medication for anxiety is selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft). They have a favorable benefit/risk ratio and have minimal side effects. Buspirone is also an effective antidepressant. SSRIs take two to four weeks for the anxiolytic effect to begin however, the onset of side effects during this period is not as severe as with other types of antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants are less commonly prescribed today, as they have more dangerous adverse effects. Certain drugs in this class, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and clomipramine, can be effective at treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamineoxidase A (MAOIs) are seldom prescribed due to their risk of serious side effects, but can help with anxiety in certain forms. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Anxivan).

Antidepressants aren't the only medication to treat anxiety. Other drugs that can be utilized to treat anxiety include beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can provide immediate relief, but are associated with risky side effects. They should only be used for short periods.

Psychotherapy is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than medications. Your psychologist or psychiatrist will teach you skills to help you reduce the symptoms and help you find ways to cope. You can manage anxiety by keeping a log that includes relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, making diet changes, exercising more and joining a support group for anxiety and adopting other strategies.

You can improve your condition by adhering to the treatment program and regularly attending therapy. Don't give up even if you've had bad days. If you are taking medication, keep your regular appointments with your doctor and do not stop taking your medication.

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers are an option for those who experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding chest, sweaty hands or chest tightness. These are typically prescribed for heart problems but have been shown to decrease anxiety-related symptoms. They work by blocking receptors that adrenaline (the stress hormone) connects to within the body, stopping it from carrying out its task of increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Beta blockers, unlike antidepressants do not alter serotonin levels, however they slow the heart rate. This can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. A few examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine, also known as Atarax or Vistaril, is a different option to treat anxiety and phobia disorders. These medications are prescribed only when needed and aren't designed to be used over the long term.

Anyone who is prescribed these medication should discuss any adverse effects with their doctor. They should also speak with their doctor prior to taking them if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some beta-blockers can decrease blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome in those suffering from the condition.

A psychiatrist, a medical professional who specializes in mental health is trained to diagnose and treat anxiety. He or she can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication along with other treatments. A psychiatrist can be helpful for people with extreme anxiety who struggle coping without medication, and are often embarrassed to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will look at the medical history of the patient, preferences and other aspects to determine the most effective medication. They also track the patient's progress as well as any adverse effects that may occur in the course of time. They can alter dosages as needed. They will also discuss any other issues a person might have like pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. While it is possible to use anxiety medication on their own, it's recommended to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. Remember that medication only dulls or reduces anxiety and can make a patient dependent on it.

Psychotherapy

Treatment of anxiety disorders can be accomplished through a variety psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a key component of any treatment plan to treat anxiety disorders . Other forms of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and exposure therapy. All of these methods are effective in helping individuals manage their anxiety.

Psychologists and psychiatrists at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates and its Mood Disorders Consultation Service are specially trained in treating anxiety disorder s. They may suggest a combination of psychotherapy and medication in order to help you overcome your fears.

Anxiety can be debilitating, causing it difficult to carry out daily tasks. It can also cause various physical issues that include heart palpitations, stomach upset and insomnia, as well as trouble in concentrating. Your therapist will not only address the symptoms, but will also teach you how to cope with the challenges.

The first line of medications for anxiety disorders is antidepressants. The medications of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine inhibition (SNRI) are a good choice, as they have fewer side-effects than older antidepressants such as tricyclics, are the most commonly used. These medications take between four and six weeks to show results. They are also used to treat depression that has underlying.

Other medicines for anxiety include muscle relaxants like diazepam and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines are generally used to treat panic attacks and other symptoms, like sweating, trembling, nausea, and breathing difficulty. In certain instances, doctors might prescribe an antihistamine medication such as hydroxyzine or Atarax, or Vistaril, to treat allergies that cause anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is an essential element of any treatment for anxiety. Your therapist will help you recognize the negative distortions in your anxiety and replace them with more calm, rational statements. Your therapist can teach you how to handle the situations that cause anxiety instead of avoiding these situations and increase your confidence.

Other medicines

Anxiety is a well-known disorder that has a variety of treatment options. Certain people find that medication can reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other methods and therapies. Some of the medications used to combat anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and buspirone.


Antidepressants can be prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders that are generalized. Treatments that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are commonly prescribed, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that can boost your mood and ease anxiety.

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine are used for short-term relief of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They work in a matter of minutes to reduce a person's response to stress by enhancing the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They can also reduce a rapid heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Benzodiazepines are addictive and should not be used for longer than 4 weeks at one time.

Beta blockers such as propranolol and atenolol are able to help people with panic disorder or phobias by controlling their heart rate. They also inhibit the effects of norepinephrine - a hormone that is involved in the fight-or-flight response. These medicines can be taken regularly to help manage anxiety.

Buspirone is an organic substance that is linked to GABA. It soothes the nervous system and is often prescribed for phobias, or a sensitization to light and noise. It is frequently used to help with sleeping problems.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy is another effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely regarded as the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This therapy method teaches you to change your thinking patterns and develop new strategies to manage anxiety. It includes exposure therapy, in which you are exposed to things or situations that trigger anxiety, and you increase confidence in your abilities to overcome these fears.