Finding the best medication for anxiety disorder - Read Even more,

Anxiety disorder is a very common mental illness. Many people use medications to treat their anxiety symptoms. There are different types of medications, including SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine as well as SNRIs like venlafaxine, are usually the first drugs doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters, which influence the mood of your brain.

Benzodiazepines

Feeling stressed or nervous at times is normal, but if those feelings become persistent or interfere with your daily life it's time to seek help. Along with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, medication can be an effective tool to reduce anxiety symptoms. There is no one-size fits all treatment for anxiety. The best choice for you will depend on your diagnosis as well as various other factors.

Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam), are fast-acting drugs that can alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, sweating or shaking voices. They work by increasing the activity at the neurotransmitter receptors gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which slows down brain and central nervous system activity and encourages relaxation. They are typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder and social anxiety disorders. However, they are addictive and should only be used under medical supervision for short-term use.

Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications boost brain levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood), as well as norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter involved in the body's fight or flight response). However some people don't respond well to these medications and can experience side effects such as nausea or insomnia. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.

Other medications, including propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin), are sometimes used for anxiety that are not on the label particularly when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Beta blockers can be used to manage anxiety and fears.

Allergy medications, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), are used to alleviate some anxiety symptoms. It blocks certain histamine receptors within the brain, reducing excessive activity in the nervous system. This creates an overall calmness. It is prescribed as needed for anxiety, especially before surgery. It's not the most preferred choice of medication however it is a good alternative for those who are not able to take benzodiazepines due to the possibility of addiction or misuse.

Antidepressants

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues, and it can be treated. The first step is usually changing your lifestyle, but occasionally medication can ease symptoms as well. There are a variety of treatments available to treat separation anxiety disorder in adults, and the one that works best will depend on the individual's diagnosis and medical history as well as treatment goals. In general, SSRI antidepressants, which are newer are the first option for treating separation anxiety disorder. However, tricyclics older than that are also effective.

Benzodiazepines can be another option and they can be a great help to provide relief for panic attacks and other signs. They target receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), slowing down the brain's activity when it is overexcited, and promoting a sense calm. They are generally used to bridge other drugs, and can be habit-forming, so they shouldn't be used long time. Benzodiazepines are available in the form of Klonopin (clonazepam), and Xanax, (alprazolam).

Beta-blockers are an additional kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They inhibit the action of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline. These hormones play a part in the body's fight or flight response. They also increase serotonin levels, a chemical messenger which influences mood. Atenolol, propranolol, and other beta-blockers are prescribed by physicians to treat separation anxiety disorder symptoms in adults.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the medications doctors usually prescribe for anxiety, and they work by impacting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can take a few weeks to start working so it's important to not get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. The most commonly used SSRIs prescribed for anxiety disorder medication side effects are sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Lexapro).

In some instances the use of antidepressants can cause anxiety to worsen, so they're only prescribed as a last resort. However, in other instances it's the only option that is effective, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. A psychiatrist has extensive training in psychiatric medications management and is the ideal person to discuss this. When choosing the best medication, they will consider the person's medical history the diagnosis, goals, and tolerance to medications. Psychiatrists also offer regular appointments and follow-ups to track the effectiveness of the medication and also be aware of any adverse effects.

Hydroxyzine

Medicines are the foundation of treatment for anxiety disorders but they're not the only way to control your symptoms. A psychiatrist can employ many different tools, including psychotherapy to help you deal with your anxiety. If medication is required they'll suggest a treatment plan that combines several different dosages and medications to get the most effective results.

Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of anti-anxiety medication, including benzodiazepines or SSRIs. They may prescribe SNRIs, or atypical Antidepressants. These drugs can be used as a long-term solution or to provide short-term relief from panic attacks and other serious symptoms.

Hydroxyzine, a antihistamine, is a medication that can help relieve tension and anxiety. It works by altering the body's levels of serotonin and histamine, which can change your mood. Hydroxyzine, which is not a controlled drug it does not have the same addiction risk as other drugs like lorazepam or clonazepam. However, if you take this medication with other drugs that induce the feeling of drowsiness (such as narcotic pain relievers or sedatives) the effects could be harmful.

A doctor can prescribe hydroxyzine as an oral tablet, syrup or suspension to be taken three or four times a day. It is important to follow the directions on your prescription, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any aspect you aren't understanding. You shouldn't take the hydroxyzine when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Animal studies have proven that the drug can cause harm to fetuses.

Psychiatrists prescribe hydroxyzine to treat anxiety, which is a condition that can cause feelings of nervousness and fear. It can also lead to heart palpitations and shaking. People who have breathing issues should not take hydroxyzine, as it can dry out the mucus and make breathing difficult. If you suffer from a breathing problem, you should consult your physician immediately. You should also avoid taking hydroxyzine with alcohol or other medications that can cause the feeling of drowsiness.

Buspirone

It is normal to feel anxious at times. However, if your anxiety is persistent and negatively affecting your health and lifestyle you must consult an expert in medical care. Psychiatrists have been specially trained to help people with anxiety issues. They have a number of tools at their disposal including medications, cognitive behavior therapy as well as other treatments for anxiety disorders.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are usually the first treatment a psychiatrist would recommend to a person suffering from anxiety. These drugs can help regulate mood by boosting your body's serotonin levels. They also have a low dependency and abuse risk. They are effective for long-term symptom reduction and as a follow up to other therapies for anxiety relief.

Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are quick-acting medications that can help ease anxiety immediately. They work by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA which is the brain's chemical, slowing it down and helping you feel more at peace. As opposed to SSRIs they don't come with the same number of potential negative effects, but they are still addictive and could turn into a habit.

Buspirone is an antidepressant that has also been proven to be an effective anxiolytic. It is most commonly utilized in second-line treatment. It is available as a tablet for oral consumption, and has a lower chance of side effects than other medication. However, it takes several weeks of consistent use to see the full effect, so it's important to stick to your prescribed schedule.

It's ultimately the responsibility of your physician to determine which medication for anxiety is best for you. It is important to discuss your options with them and they can explain how each type of medication works, what the side effects are, as well as should they have any other suggestions to treat your anxiety disorder. You may also take an online test to be matched with a psychiatrist licensed to treat anxiety disorders.