The treatment of Anxiety by psychiatrists usually means a prescription for Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). These medications are a class of benzodiazepines. Although these drugs are often a doctor's first choice, there are other options implemented that were not created for the treatment of anxiety.
Certain antidepressants are also used in the treatment of anxiety. These medications are different from anti-anxiety medications in several different ways such as a low risk of dependency and abuse. In addition, antidepressants can take anywhere from four to six weeks to fully take effect. These medications can not be used for sudden symptoms of anxiety either.
The most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication to treat anxiety is SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro are the most common. SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat general anxiety disorders as well as more severe anxiety such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. As with any medications these come with a risk of side effects. These include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. In addition, there may also be certain severe side effects involved such as suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. Furthermore, antidepressants and benzodiazepines can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.
SSRIs:
These medications are used to treat anxiety by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain involving serotonin. SSRIs accomplish this by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.
Buspirone (BuSpar) is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts like an SSRI by increasing serotonin in the brain (subsequently reducing brain activity). BuSpar also reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter (also a medicated substance) that increases heart rate and blood pressure. It starts working in half the time of antidepressant drugs, and lacks many of the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, such as sedation. BuSpar also doesnt cause loss of memory or coordination and is not habit-forming, two problems with drugs such as Ativan. BuSpars effectiveness is limited to generalized anxiety disorder.
Oftentimes, Beta Blockers are prescribed as a treatment for anxiety as this disorder is known for increasing blood pressure and creating heart problems. They are also beneficial in alleviating other symptoms of anxiety including dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. The most optimum use of this medication is in the treatment of phobias. Beta Blockers also come with a risk of side effects which include nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.
A physician can ask questions and perform physical tests to determine if medication is warranted and necessary. It is imperative that you remember that all medications take time to become effective. In addition, you may experience a period of trial and error until the right medication at the right dosage is determined for your body and your needs. - 29954
Certain antidepressants are also used in the treatment of anxiety. These medications are different from anti-anxiety medications in several different ways such as a low risk of dependency and abuse. In addition, antidepressants can take anywhere from four to six weeks to fully take effect. These medications can not be used for sudden symptoms of anxiety either.
The most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication to treat anxiety is SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro are the most common. SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat general anxiety disorders as well as more severe anxiety such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. As with any medications these come with a risk of side effects. These include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. In addition, there may also be certain severe side effects involved such as suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. Furthermore, antidepressants and benzodiazepines can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.
SSRIs:
These medications are used to treat anxiety by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain involving serotonin. SSRIs accomplish this by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.
Buspirone (BuSpar) is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts like an SSRI by increasing serotonin in the brain (subsequently reducing brain activity). BuSpar also reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter (also a medicated substance) that increases heart rate and blood pressure. It starts working in half the time of antidepressant drugs, and lacks many of the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, such as sedation. BuSpar also doesnt cause loss of memory or coordination and is not habit-forming, two problems with drugs such as Ativan. BuSpars effectiveness is limited to generalized anxiety disorder.
Oftentimes, Beta Blockers are prescribed as a treatment for anxiety as this disorder is known for increasing blood pressure and creating heart problems. They are also beneficial in alleviating other symptoms of anxiety including dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. The most optimum use of this medication is in the treatment of phobias. Beta Blockers also come with a risk of side effects which include nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.
A physician can ask questions and perform physical tests to determine if medication is warranted and necessary. It is imperative that you remember that all medications take time to become effective. In addition, you may experience a period of trial and error until the right medication at the right dosage is determined for your body and your needs. - 29954
About the Author:
Funmi Salami is an established writer who loves to write and share. She started an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provide more information about Anxiety Attack Symptoms and Anxiety Disorder Herbs Treatment.
