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:
This class of antidepressants attempts to correct the chemical imbalance involving serotonin by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.
A relatively new medication for anxiety called Buspirone or BuSpar works like an SSRI as it increases serotonin in the brain, thus reducing brain activity. In addition, it also reduces dopamine which is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This medication begins to work in less time and carries fewer side effects than other anti-anxiety medications such as sedation. Furthermore, BuSpar does not cause loss of memory or coordination as well as not being habit forming like Ativan. However, the effectiveness of this medication is limited to that of generalized anxiety disorder only.
Since prolonged anxiety can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to treat these problems. They also help deal with physical symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. Beta blockers are best for phobias. Side effects of beta blocker use include nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.
Your doctor will be able to determine whether medications such as the ones listed above are necessary. He or she will ask you a series of questions as well as perform some physical tests to decide which medication will befit you the most. It is very important that these drugs take time to work at their optimum capacity and there may be a series of medication changes dependent upon any side effects endured.
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