Anxiety medications may help alleviate your symptoms, but they will not address the source of your anxiety. Cleveland Clinic mental health experts suggest lifestyle modifications and therapy as a long-term solution.
SSRIs and SNRIs such as Zoloft (zoloft), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) can help decrease anxiety by increasing serotonin availability in your brain to ease symptoms. Benzodiazepines may also be beneficial, though their effects can become habit-forming over time.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are often the first line of defense when it comes to treating anxiety, as these antidepressants work by targeting neurotransmitters associated with mood, making people feel more energetic while sometimes leading to fatigue side effects; though typically this subsides once an individual’s body adjusts.
Psychiatrists are adept at selecting medications tailored specifically to each person. When selecting medication, they take into account your diagnosis, medical history and personal preferences as well as follow up appointments and assessments to assess response and adjust dosage or type as necessary.
Other medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, antihistamines and beta-blockers. Benzodiazepines provide fast acting relief from anxiety by targeting GABA neurotransmitter which has calming properties; these drugs may be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
Antihistamines may provide temporary relief of anxiety by decreasing the activity of histamine receptors in the brain. Vistaril, for instance, blocks these histamine receptors and has a calming effect. Furthermore, these medications do not fall under controlled substance classification and do not carry the risk of addiction associated with benzodiazepines.
Some doctors may prescribe tricyclic antidepressants, which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, for treating anxiety. They can also block the reuptake of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones which contribute to fight-or-flight responses, or prescribe monoamine oxidase inhibitors which stop an enzyme from breaking down serotonin; typically these treatments will only be prescribed when other treatments don’t work effectively.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are powerful drugs that work by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain to produce a sedative and anxiolytic effect, making them popular medications for treating anxiety disorders like panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, their addictive qualities mean they come with a high risk of addiction that may lead to substance abuse and dependency issues; due to this risk, doctors typically only prescribe these medicines for short periods of time or when dealing with acute anxiety flare-ups; they may even be combined with antianxiety medicines like antidepressants or antianxiant medications like antianxiant drugs when treating generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
People who take benzodiazepines often abuse them. They may take larger or longer doses than prescribed, or mix it with alcohol or illegal substances such as cocaine. Misusing these medications can have serious repercussions including brain toxicity. Common prescription benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax and Ativan; those abusing these drugs might experience symptoms including decreased interest in daily activities or personality change as they try to find and obtain it or overcome withdrawal.
These drugs come in various forms – tablets to be taken orally, capsules, sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue, and liquid for injection – and come in various strengths and brands; some have fast-acting actions while others produce long-term sedation or sleepiness effects. While benzos are generally swallowed whole, crushed and snorted versions may provide faster effects.
When benzos are discontinued abruptly or too rapidly, withdrawal symptoms can include flu-like complaints, muscle cramps, irritability, insomnia nightmares perceptual changes depersonalization or derealization and perceptual shifts that last several weeks if not months – the best way to discontinue benzos should be through gradual patient controlled tapering.
Beta-blockers
At times of stress, our bodies release adrenaline which causes our heart and blood vessels to expand, leading to sweating, trembling and anxiety – symptoms commonly associated with “fight-or-flight”. Beta-blockers work by blocking adrenaline’s action on beta receptors in your body to lower heart rate and blood pressure – this relieves pressure off of the heart while decreasing sweating, trembling anxiety symptoms. Doctors generally prescribe beta-blockers for cardiovascular ailments but they may also help manage anxiety disorders among other conditions.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), such as Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Cymbalta are considered first-line treatments for anxiety. While their effectiveness may take several weeks to establish itself fully, side effects tend to be reduced with these types of medications compared with others prescribed. Furthermore, many can also be prescribed for depression – often serving both conditions equally effectively.
Antidepressants like fluoxetine, citalopram and venlafaxine are often prescribed to ease anxiety. Some antidepressants, like Effexor and Pristiq are even approved to treat both depression and anxiety simultaneously; BuSpar may also help.
Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax are powerful tranquilizers that can quickly relieve anxiety. But because of their potential for addiction and dangerous side effects such as muscle stiffness, spasms, dry mouth and involuntary body movements they should only be taken on short-term bases.
Antihistamines
There are various medications that may assist with anxiety. These include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta blockers. Each of these works by altering certain brain circuits to reduce feelings of fear or agitation. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants for anxiety. These medications work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters that influence mood; however, the full benefits may take weeks to develop. Antidepressants for anxiety can also be taken off label, meaning they were initially prescribed for another condition but now being used to treat anxiety. Beta blockers (central nervous system depressants such as propranolol) can reduce some physical symptoms associated with anxiety such as fast heart rate and shaking.
Antihistamines like Fexofenadine (Allegra) or Levocetirizine (Xyzal), can help alleviate allergic reactions as well as anxiety symptoms in certain individuals. Because these drugs can make people sleepy, it’s best to take them before bedtime in tablet, chewable, or liquid form over-the-counter – their leaflet should provide instructions; alternatively use NHS’s Medicine A-Z tool for more details about taking your medication.
Many mental health professionals possess extensive training in medication management, and can select the ideal medications based on your diagnosis and medical history. Over time they will monitor you to minimize side effects. You could also seek the assistance of a psychiatrist who specializes in this area either locally or online via psychiatry services.
Exercise
No matter how frequently or occasionally you experience anxiety, there is always something that can help reduce its symptoms. Consulting your physician or seeing a therapist are effective methods for doing so; alternative remedies, like herbal supplements and even exercise have proven just as powerful – with some even being shown to work more than medications! But one approach that has proven itself more powerful than medications could be considered: exercise.
Regular physical activity has the ability to help lift mood, raise self-esteem and dissipate stress. Furthermore, exercise improves sleep which in turn decreases fear and worry levels; overall it improves body health which in turn boosts energy – all reasons why doctors encourage their patients to incorporate exercise as part of their treatment plans.
Exercise releases endorphins that boost immune systems and make us feel great, which will leave us feeling great! For maximum effect, start slowly and build up to longer sessions over time. If possible, involve someone you trust like your spouse or family members as this will make exercising more fun and increase the odds that you stick with an exercise regime.
Exercise can also help to alleviate anxiety by altering behavior patterns associated with anxiety disorders, such as social withdrawal and avoidance. This will prevent future episodes of negative feelings.
Exercise may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, but it should never be seen as the sole solution. For severe anxiety conditions, consulting with a therapist or counselor for guidance regarding symptoms and the best course of action is recommended; therapy processes may involve medication, psychotherapy and exercise therapies all working in concert to address them.
