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What Are the Best Medications For Anxiety Disorders? Treatment of anxiety disorders is often an approach that combines therapy, medication and exercise. The first-choice medications for anxiety are antidepressants. Newer drugs that have a lower suicide risk and less abrasive side effects, such as mirtazapine and nefazodone are more well-tolerated than older antidepressants like tCAs and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Most people can manage their anxiety symptoms by taking medication that lowers fear signals in the brain. These include SNRIs or SSRIs. Benzodiazepines These drugs work by facilitating the binding between the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and various receptors within the central nervous system. They are considered to be a safer and less harmful category of CNS depressants than their predecessors barbiturates. They are used to treat seizures, as anticonvulsants and anxiolytics. They are prescribed in low doses, and are less likely than older medications to cause toxic effects on anticholinergic receptors or delirium. Before consuming them, it is essential to consider the risks and side effects. For instance, the long-term use of benzodiazepines could cause impairment to memory and cause withdrawal symptoms, especially when the drug is combined with other CNS depressants, such as opioids or alcohol. It may also decrease the effectiveness of antidepressants for certain people. Benzodiazepines are not recommended for elderly patients or children and should be avoided with medical comorbidities like depression. They are available in different potencies and formulations, and have different pharmacological characteristics. They differ in how fast they work and how long they last, and their negative effects. The longer-acting benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as clobazam (Onfi) and diazepam (Valium) are prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety, while alprazolam (Xanax) as well as lorazepam (Ativan) and midazolam (Versed) are used to induce anesthesia and for seizures and other seizure disorders. Constipation, fatigue and blurred vision are the most common adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Certain people may also experience nausea, headaches, and weight loss. These side effects are mild and usually go away with continued use. It is preferential to gradually taper off benzodiazepines than stop abruptly as they can trigger withdrawal symptoms like irritability and difficulty sleeping. Other medications that help with anxiety disorders include SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; SNRIs; atypical antidepressants such as mirtazapine; and beta-blockers. SSRIs, SNRIs, and beta-blockers work by increasing the levels serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. This can help reduce anxiety. Atypical antidepressants work through various pathways to increase the levels of these chemicals. They can also treat other mental health issues such as depression. Beta-blockers, which are 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 used medications for anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs increase the levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter which affects mood. They also boost the levels of norepinephrine which is another neurotransmitter that influences mood. Paroxetine and Fluoxetine are the most popular SSRIs used to combat anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft) and Nefazodone (Serzone). There are other medications that can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They include antihistamines (e.g. the hydroxyzine), alpha and beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, propranolol, and Clonidine), and benzodiazepines. Antihistamines can be extremely beneficial during panic attacks as they can cause a state of drowsiness which can ease anxiety. However, they can cause adverse effects such as constipation, dry mouth and sedation. Also, you could be at risk if take these drugs while driving. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that work by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters that send signals between brain cells. These drugs are prescribed to help you relax and fall asleep. They are only meant for short-term use. These drugs can be addictive, so you should only take them under the supervision of a physician. Tricyclic antidepressants, also known as older drugs, can be effective in treating anxiety. These medicines act similarly to SSRIs and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine and other chemicals within your body that affect mood. The majority of these medicines are started at a small dose and then increased gradually. Certain of these medications can cause weight increase and sedation. They can also cause dry mouth, urinary tract issues and arrhythmias. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can also be older antidepressants that have been proven to be effective in treating anxiety but they aren't widely used because of side effects such as dry mouth, weight gain and sedation. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can also interact with some foods and medications, including SSRIs, birth control pills, cold and allergy medicines, and acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Making the right choices for anxiety can make you feel more calm and in control of your life. It is also essential to learn stress management techniques. Important steps include avoiding unhealthy food and exercising as well as avoiding alcohol and tobacco and removing any news stories or readings that can trigger anxiety. You can join a support group for anxiety to connect with other people who have similar issues and develop how to cope. Tricyclic antidepressants A variety of medications can be used to treat anxiety disorders, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. Certain of these drugs can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin or norepinephrine. These drugs can be taken on a regular basis or as needed. Certain drugs require a few weeks to start working however they can reduce anxiety or make it easier to manage. However, they will not work if the medication is stopped. SSRIs can be used to treat anxiety and also stop symptoms from recurring. They include citalopram (Celexa) as well as the escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluvoxamine (Fluoxetine) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs are generally safe and have few side effects. SSRIs can be used in conjunction with other treatments to treat anxiety, including psychotherapy or exercise. Another kind of medication that can be used to combat anxiety is beta blockers. These medications are typically used to treat heart issues, but can be helpful for people with anxiety and fears. They reduce anxiety symptoms by decreasing blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate. Propranolol and Atenolol are the most commonly prescribed beta blockers. People suffering from a phobia or panic disorder can sometimes benefit from tranquilizers such as lorazepam or alprazolam. These medications can be taken prior to a stressful event and can quickly ease the symptoms of anxiety. These medications can be habit-forming, so only use them if absolutely necessary. In general, SSRIs or SNRIs can be used as first-line medication to treat anxiety. They are safe, well-tolerated, and have good efficacy in controlled, randomized trials. However, the idiosyncratic characteristics of the drug and comorbid conditions of patients should be considered. For instance, a person with an history of depression might require more medication than someone who does not have. Monoamine oxidase (MAOI) is the most effective treatment of social anxiety or performance anxiety. These medications increase the quantity of neurotransmitters which regulate mood. They are usually started with a small dose and gradually increased. They can be taken either alone or in combination an combination of benzodiazepine. MAOIs can interact with a variety of medications, including SSRIs as well as some birth control pills. They can also interact with acetaminophen ibuprofen and cold and allergy medicine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, and many are effective for the majority of people. This includes benzodiazepines as well as antidepressants. These are GABA-A receptor agonists which can be employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in the short-term. They can also be used to reduce muscle spasms, seizures, and hypnotic disorders. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and are not recommended for long-term usage. Antidepressants can decrease depression and anxiety. These drugs can take as long as six weeks before they begin to work, but are highly efficient for the majority of people. These medications can cause sexual side effects in some people, but these are generally manageable. SSRIs and SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, two important hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. They are usually the first-line treatments for most anxiety disorders. They can be taken regularly to manage symptoms or when needed. Antidepressants can cause nausea, dry mouth, and weight gain. They can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, therefore, they should only be used the time that is needed. Beta-blockers are also an option since they are commonly used to treat heart problems. They are often prescribed off-label to treat social anxiety disorders, like propranolol (Inderal). This medication is a great choice to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking and high blood pressure. It also helps reduce stress hormones such as norepinephrine and adrenaline that are produced in the state of anxiety. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, gabapentin and tiagabine are a class of drugs that have GABAergic properties. These drugs have FDA approval for neuropathic pain and antidepressant pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are another medication that boosts levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. They also decrease the activity of monoamine oxide, which is responsible for breaking down these chemicals. They can also help reduce the effects of mania and bipolar disorder. These drugs can have numerous side effects including weight gain, dryness of the mouth and sedation. These drugs can also increase the risk of arrhythmias and hypotension.