10 Apps That Can Help You Manage Your Anxiety Disorders Medications
Medications For Anxiety Disorders
Many medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Some examples are benzodiazepines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Talk with your doctor about benefits and risks of different medicines for you.
SSRIs and SNRIs block serotonin's reuptake (a neurotransmitter and hormone) and boost levels of it in the brain, which helps reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants
If your anxiety causes serious issues in your daily life, a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health (psychiatrist) might recommend medication. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Consult your physician about possible negative side effects, risks and benefits of each type.
The first choice for anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline. They have a favorable benefit/risk ratio with few side effects. Buspirone is also an effective antidepressant. SSRIs take two to four weeks for the anxiolytic effects to begin, but the start of adverse effects during this time is not as severe as other types of antidepressants.
Tricyclic antidepressants are less commonly prescribed nowadays, since they can cause more serious adverse effects. Certain medications from this class, like amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and clomipramine are effective in treating anxiety. Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAOIs) are also seldom prescribed due to their risk of serious adverse effects, but can help with certain types of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine, (Anxivan).
Antidepressants can't be the only treatment for anxiety. Beta-blockers and other medications can be used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting and provide immediate relief, however they come with serious risks and should only be used for short periods of time.
Psychotherapy is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than drugs. Your psychologist or psychiatrist will help you develop skills to ease your symptoms and find ways to deal with them. Some strategies you can use to control anxiety include keeping a diary and learning relaxation techniques, doing breathing exercises, making changes to your diet in order to exercise more, and joining a support group for anxiety.
You can improve your health by adhering to the treatment program and attending regular sessions of therapy. Don't give up even if you have bad days. Make sure to keep your regular doctor's appointments and do not stop taking your medication if you are taking medication.
Beta-blockers
For those who experience physical manifestations of anxiety such as a heart beating, sweaty palms, or tight chests, beta blockers may be an option. While these medications are typically prescribed for heart conditions but they have also been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety-related symptoms. They are effective by blocking the receptors in the body that adrenaline (the hormone of stress) is able to bind to, thus hindering it from increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Beta blockers, unlike antidepressants do not alter serotonin levels, they instead slow the heart rate. This may help to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenol). Hydroxyzine, sometimes referred to Atarax or Vistaril, is an alternative to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. These drugs are prescribed only as needed and are not meant to be used long-term.
If disorders anxiety are prescribed these drugs, it is important to discuss any adverse effects that might be experienced with your physician. They should also consult with their physician prior to taking these medications if they are pregnant or nursing. Some beta-blockers may lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome those suffering from the condition.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is skilled in mental health, is trained to assess and treat anxiety. They can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medications as along with other methods of treatment. A psychiatrist can be especially beneficial for those suffering from severe anxiety who have difficulty managing without medication, and who are often reluctant to seek treatment. A psychiatrist can keep track of a patient's medical background and preferences to determine the most appropriate medication for them. They will also monitor the patient's progress as well as any side effects as time passes. They can alter dosages as needed. They also address any other issues that a patient may face, such as pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. It is better to combine anxiety medications with psychotherapy or another treatment. It is important to keep in mind that medications only dull or reduces anxiety, and can cause a person to become dependent on the medication.
Psychotherapy
A variety of psychotherapy methods are available to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential element of any anxiety treatment plan. Other types of therapy include interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic exposure therapy, and psychotherapy. All of these techniques have been shown to be effective in helping people to learn to manage their anxiety.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and other specialists at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates & Mood Disorders Consultation Service have been specially trained to treat anxiety disorders. They can recommend a mix of psychotherapy and medication to help you overcome your fears.
Anxiety can be debilitating and make every day tasks difficult to complete. It can also trigger a number of physical problems like stomach upset, heart palpitations, insomnia, and trouble concentration. In addition to treating the symptoms of the anxiety disorder, your therapist can help you deal with these difficulties so that your daily functioning improves.
Antidepressants are the initial treatment for anxiety disorders. These are medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally preferred because they have less negative side effects than the older antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. These medications, which take up to six weeks to achieve full effectiveness, are typically used to treat depression that is underlying as well.
Other medicines for anxiety include muscle relaxants such as diazepam and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines are generally used to manage anxiety attacks and other symptoms, like trembling, nausea, sweating and breathing problems. In some cases doctors might prescribe an antihistamine, such as hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril), to treat allergies that may cause anxiety symptoms.
Talk therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy, is an important element of any anxiety-treatment program. Your therapist will help you recognize the negative distortions in your thoughts about anxiety and replace them with more calm, rational statements. Your therapist can also help you to confront the circumstances that cause anxiety instead of avoiding them, so that you gain confidence in your ability to face these difficulties.
Other medications
Anxiety is a very common condition that can have many treatment options. Some people may discover that medication is an ideal option to alleviate anxiety symptoms, along with other techniques and therapy. The most common types of medication used to treat anxiety include antidepressants beta blockers, benzodiazepines and buspirone.
Antidepressants can be prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders that are generalized. Medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually prescribed, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These medications boost the levels of certain brain chemicals that enhance your mood and reduce anxiety.
Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, can be used to treat severe anxiety or panic attacks. They work within minutes to decrease a person's response to stress by enhancing the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They also help to reduce rapid heart rate, sweating and shaking. They are highly addictive and should not be used for more than 4 weeks.
Beta blockers such as propranolol or atenolol may aid those suffering from anxiety disorders or panic attacks by regulating their heart rate. They also block the effects of norepinephrine - a hormone that is involved in the fight-or-flight response. These medications can be used for a long time to reduce anxiety.
Buspirone, a naturally occurring substance in the body that is closely related to GABA which helps soothe the nervous system and is often prescribed for anxiety or sensitivity to noise and light. It is often used to help with sleep disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a different effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally considered the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This therapy can help you alter your mental patterns to help you manage anxiety. It involves exposure therapy, in which you gradually encounter objects or situations that cause anxiety and build confidence in your ability to overcome them.