Important Information About Anxiety Medication
Medication often takes longer to treat anxiety than it does to treat depression. It might take several weeks for the medication to take effect. Studies show that anxiety medication works better if someone also has therapy.
Anxiety medication can cause side effects in some people. These may include:
- nausea
- dry mouth
- difficulty with sexual drive or arousal
These side effects normally fade away, but if you are experiencing side effects from anxiety, always tell your doctor as they may be able to help.
Some antidepressants can cause a harmful reaction when taken with certain other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medications, including sleeping pills and painkillers.
Take your anxiety medication as prescribed. Do not adjust doses on your own without consulting your doctor. Dont drink alcohol while taking anti-anxiety medication.
If you are not sure about taking medications to treat anxiety, ask your doctor about the following:
- What are the benefits of the particular medication for anxiety?
- What are the risks of the medication?
- What are the possible side effects?
E Social Anxieties And Phobias
For those with social anxieties, medications can help to reduce the tensions associated with entering the fearful situation, to bring a racing heart and sweaty palms under control, and to reduce some shyness.
Physicians use several classes of medications that are beneficial, individually or in combination. These include the beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, venlafaxine, the SSRIs and trazodone.
The drugs with the longest history of use with social anxiety are the beta adrenergic blocking agents, also known as beta blockers. The most commonly used are propranolol and atenolol . The patient can take propranolol as needed or in dosages of 10 to 20 mg three to four times a day, or atenolol in dosages of 25 to 100 mg once daily. Surprisingly, controlled research studies have not supported the widespread anecdotal reports of success with beta blockers. Its possible that their best use is for occasional mild social anxieties associated with performance.
The high potency benzodiazepines clonazepam and alprazolam may also be effective. A combination of a beta blocker and low dosages of clonazepam or alprazolam could be best for some individuals.
If the social anxiety is more general, unpredictable and widespread, then patients may need to take venlafaxine, an MAOI such as phenelzine, or an SSRI such as sertraline. Keep in mind that these medications take several weeks to work.
Bupropion does not have enough evidence yet to verify its effectiveness for social anxiety disorder.
Do I Need This Treatment
A certain amount of anxiety or insomnia is a normal reaction to what is happening in your life. You may worry or feel stressed, and sometimes these feelings can keep you up at night. Most often, these feelings pass and are not a problem. However, these feelings can become a problem when they continue over a longer term, cause severe distress, make you feel physically ill and affect your behaviour. This kind of anxiety may be triggered by a challenging life event. It can also be a symptom of a mental health problem.
The ability to fall asleep and to sleep through the night can be affected by many types of health problems. These include physical conditions that cause pain or trouble breathing, as well as mental health problems. When sleep is disrupted, health can be further affected.
While each situation is unique and different treatment approaches may be called for, benzodiazepines can help to provide relief.
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The Problem With Relying On Medicine
Medications should always be your last resort when it comes to treating your anxiety. The reason is not just because anxiety medications have side effects – although that is a problem with every mental health medication – but because medications prevent you from learning to cope without them.
That’s the greatest issue with medication. All anxiety medications dull anxiety without teaching you how to control it. Anxiety isn’t like getting an infection. You cannot simply take an antibiotic and have your anxiety go away. Those who rely too much on medication often find that they don’t use or learn the skills necessary to cope with anxiety.
As soon as your stop taking any medicine your anxiety will most likely come back. And if you haven’t learned any new coping skills, it may even be worse than before.
Ssri And Snri Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Dependence or withdrawal
Your doctor will work with you to determine whether these side effects outweigh the potential benefit of an anxiety medication. If you are having trouble with any side effects from a medicine youre on, talk to your health care provider or chat with a doctor on K about different medication options.
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What Are The Treatments For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Medication for Anxiety
Medication is useful for alleviating the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and is often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies. Some types of anxiety drugs can be habit-forming and are usually prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis.
Different anxiety disorders have different medication regimens. Some are preventive and some are designed to cure the problem.
Antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , are widely used to treat and prevent a variety of anxiety disorders. Examples of SSRIs that are commonly used to treat chronic anxiety include citalopram , escitalopram , fluoxetine , paroxetine , and sertraline . The antidepressantsduloxetine and venlafaxine , SNRIs which act on the brain chemicals serotonin and norephinephrine, and some of the tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine , may also help. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazepine are also prescribed at times.Ã
Another anti-anxiety drug is busprirone . It has fewer side effects than the benzodiazepines and is not associated with dependence. Buspar, however, can have its own side effects and may not always be as effective when a person has taken benzodiazepines in the past.
Therapy for Anxiety
Psychotherapy, with or without medication, is often considered a fundamental aspect of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
Lifestyle Modifications to Alleviate Anxiety
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Foods That Help Or Hurt Anxiety
There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
- Hydroxyzine
- Beta-blockers
Within each of these categories, there are subgroups of drugs that work differently and have their own benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
Theyre supereffective in treating anxiety disorders, says Beth Salcedo, MD, the medical director of the Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders and a past board president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Its not known exactly how SSRIs work on serotonin to alleviate anxiety, says Dr. Salcedo, but what is known is that theyre not addictive like benzodiazepines are .
Its important to follow your doctors instructions when taking any prescription drug. Talk to your doctor if youre concerned about the side effects of a medication, or if the drug youre taking doesn’t seem to be alleviating your symptoms.
Other antidepressants that may be prescribed for anxiety include:
- Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin, Budeprion, or Buproban
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Amitid, Amitril, Elavil, or Endep Aventyl, Pamelor or Tofranil
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List Of Benzodiazepines Used To Treat Anxiety
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat short-term anxiety or for acute anxiety episodes. They are not typically used long-term due to concerns about benzodiazepine tolerance, dependence and abuse. A list of benzodiazepines includes:7
- Alprazolam approved for GAD, panic disorder used off-label for agoraphobia with social phobia
- Chlordiazepoxide approved for anxiety
- Clonazepam approved for panic disorder used off label for anxiety
- Diazepam approved for anxiety
- Lorazepam approved for anxiety disorders
- Oxazepam approved for anxiety
Safety And Other Considerations
It’s also important to realize that the long term use of a mental health medication is going to have an effect on your wellbeing. Some cause digestion issues. Others cause extreme fatigue. These side effects can have a disruptive effect on your life.
Similarly, some anti-anxiety medications cause dependency with severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it or miss too many doses. Some medications may also lose their effectiveness over time . Keep this in mind and discuss with your doctor when you are choosing the right medication for you.
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Serotonin And Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors
If SSRIs don’t help ease your anxiety, you may be prescribed a different type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor .
This type of medicine increases the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in your brain.
Examples of SNRIs you may be prescribed include:
- insomnia
- sweating
SNRIs can also increase your blood pressure, so your blood pressure will be monitored regularly during treatment.
As with SSRIs, some of the side effects are more common in the first 1 or 2 weeks of treatment, but these usually settle as your body adjusts to the medication.
List Of Antipsychotic Drugs Used To Treat Anxiety
Antipsychotic drugs are often used in combination with other anxiety medication. They are a second-line option due to the possibility of severe side effects. A list of antipsychotic drugs used to treat anxiety includes:1
- Molindone research suggests antianxiety properties
- Olanzapine off label use for anxiety
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Anxiety Medication Combined With Therapy
The other evidence-based treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioral treatment and its important to understand that in our big study, where we compared combination treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication with either one of those treatments alone, that the combination beat them all handily. So when youre thinking about the very best treatment youve got to be thinking in terms of medication plus a psychological intervention.
Referral To A Specialist
If you have tried the treatments mentioned above and have significant symptoms of GAD, you may want to discuss with your GP whether you should be referred to a mental health specialist.
A referral will work differently in different areas of the UK, but you’ll usually be referred to your community mental health team.
These teams include a range of specialists, including:
- psychiatrists
- occupational therapists
- social workers
An appropriate mental health specialist from your local team will carry out an overall reassessment of your condition.
They’ll ask you about your previous treatment and how effective you found it.
They may also ask about things in your life that may be affecting your condition, or how much support you get from family and friends.
Your specialist will then be able to devise a treatment plan for you, which will aim to treat your symptoms.
As part of this plan, you may be offered a treatment you haven’t tried before, which might be one of the psychological treatments or medications mentioned above.
Alternatively, you may be offered a combination of a psychological treatment with a medication, or a combination of 2 different medications.
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With All These Options How Can You Choose
Your doctor can recommend the best medication to help control your anxiety. There are different types of anxiety disorders, so different medications may be better choices for your type. Your doctor will also consider your other health conditions and medications, and whether you have a family history of responding better to a certain medication. Since you might be taking medication long-term, you may want to factor in affordability.
Medications Used To Treat Anxiety Disorders
There are four major classes of medications used in the treatment of anxiety. Each class attempts to reduce anxiety in a different way and has its own benefits and risks.
While some may be considered preferred options, drug selection can vary based on the type of anxiety you have and your symptoms. The amount of time you are on the drug can vary as well.
For instance, if you take antidepressant medications, your healthcare provider may recommend that you continue to use them for four to nine months after symptoms have resolved. But if you take benzodiazepines, you should only use them short-term.
Overall, using medications for anxiety disorders is considered safe and effective.
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Mindfulness And Applied Relaxation
Mindfulness and applied relaxation are alternative types of psychological treatment.
Mindfulness focuses your awareness on the present moment. It allows you to acknowledge and accept certain feelings. It can reduce anxiety associated with the fear of actual situations or sensations. It helps to counter the sense of ‘tunnel vision’ that may develop during anxiety.
Applied relaxation focuses on relaxing your muscles in a particular way. A trained therapist teaches the technique which alleviates anxiety and involves:
- learning how to relax your muscles
- relaxing your muscles quickly in response to a trigger
- practising relaxing your muscles in situations that make you anxious
List Of Antidepressant Drugs For Anxiety
Antidepressants are typically the first choice treatment for anxiety. Antidepressants are taken long-term. A list of common, modern antidepressant anxiety medication that works on the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine includes:2,3,4
- Citalopram off label for panic disorder, social phobia and trichotillomania
- Duloxetine approved for generalized anxiety disorder
- Escitalopram approved for GAD
- Fluoxetine approved for OCD and panic disorder
- Fluvoxamine – approved for OCD in children and adults
- Paroxetine approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder , panic disorder, social phobia, GAL and posttraumatic stress disorder
- Sertraline approved for panic disorder, PTSD, social phobia and OCD
- Trazodone off label for panic disorders
- Venlafaxine – approved for GAD, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder in adults
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Potential For Misuse Or Abuse
There is also a risk that some anti-anxiety medications will be misused or abused. This risk is greater with benzodiazepines, especially alprazolam .
Research published in 2020 found that benzodiazepine misuse occurs in 17% of users, with a majority of these individuals misusing these drugs in an attempt to control distress symptoms and the remainder attempting to get high.
A 2014 study involving 2,700 students in high school and middle school found that the risk of benzodiazepine abuse was 12 times higher in teens who had been prescribed these drugs.
F Anxiety Or Panic With Depression
For those suffering from a combination of depression and anxiety or panic, certain antidepressant medications can help reduce the depressive symptoms while simultaneously helping to control the panic attacks. The physician can prescribe one of the tricyclic antidepressants with sedating effects, such as imipramine or one of the MAOIs. It is also possible to combine the use of a tricyclic antidepressant with buspirone or the benzodiazepine alprazolam.
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Can I Have Depression And Anxiety At The Same Time
Depression and anxiety are two different mental health disorders that are often comorbid. Meaning, they occur at the same time.
Depression is a mental disorder that is commonly identified with intense feelings of hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, and overwhelming sadness. More than 16% of Americans will experience depression at some point during their lifetime, according to theCleveland Clinic. While most people will experience feelings of sadness at some point, with depression, these feelings are prolongedlasting two weeks or moreand severe enough to impact daily life.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that impacts everyday functioning. Without treatment, anxiety can get worse over time. There are a number of anxiety disorders, with their own set of unique symptoms.
About 2% of people in the U.S. have generalized anxiety disorder . According to Richard Shelton, MD, a psychiatrist and the vice chair of research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, GAD symptoms include persistent fear and worry that is often difficult to control. Other anxiety disorders include:
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Depression and anxiety may share some of the same signs and symptoms, such as avoiding activities that were once previously enjoyed, headaches or changes in appetite, and exhaustion.
List Of Tricyclic Antidepressant Drugs For Anxiety
An older type of antidepressant called a tricyclic antidepressant is also sometimes used to treat depression. Tricyclics act on more chemicals in the brain and are more likely to cause side effects so they are not typically a first choice treatment. A list of tricyclic antidepressants used to treat anxiety includes:5
- Clomipramine approved for OCD
- Desipramine off label for panic disorder
- Doxepin off label for GAD
- Imipramine – off label for panic disorder
Another powerful, older class of antidepressants is also used to treat anxiety. These monoamine oxidase inhibitors are not first choice treatments but may be useful where other treatments have failed. A list of monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to treat anxiety includes:6
- Isocarboxazid off label for social phobia
- Phenelzine off label for panic disorders and social phobia
- Selegiline off label for social phobia
- Tranylcypromine off label for social phobia
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What To Know Before Starting Or Stopping An Anti
When taken as prescribed, anti-anxiety medications are generally safe.
If youre thinking about discontinuing an anti-anxiety medication, its important to check in with your doctor first. Most of these medications need to be tapered off slowly, rather than stopping all at once.
Everyones body will react differently to the tapering process. During this process, you might still experience symptoms like:
- digestive issues
- problems with balance
- depression
These symptoms are usually short-lived, but it can be helpful to know what to expect. Its key to take your medications as prescribed and check with your doctor before making any changes.
Some medications can cause your body to become dependent. This means that stopping them especially without tapering off can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:
- nausea and vomiting