There is no one medication that we can call best to treat anxiety. Anxiety disorders are of different types and are of different intensities. One thing that is common in the treatment of all anxiety disorders is the approach. It takes medication, exercise, and psychotherapy to treat anxiety properly. These elements can vary to different degrees for different people.
Regarding the medication approach, anxiety can be treated using different medications. They are as follows:
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Buspirone
- Hydroxyzine
- Beta-blockers
Each medication category has different subgroups that work differently and have particular benefits, side effects, and risks.
Antidepressants
Among antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are medication groups used to treat anxiety disorders. SSRIs act on those neurotransmitters that regulate mood. That’s how they are useful for anxiety.
Classes of Antidepressants that are used to treat anxiety
There are two classes of antidepressants: SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Examples are as follows:
SNRIs are:
- Venlafaxine
- Duloxetine
SSRIs are:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluoxetine (Sarafem, prozac)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Paroxetine (pixel, Paxil, brisdelle)
The side effects of SNRIs and SSRIs are as follows:
- Nausea
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Dizziness
- Reduced sexual desire
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Weight gain or loss
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Other antidepressants that are used for anxiety treatment are as follows:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Zyban, Buproban, Budeprion)
Remember
- SSRIs take almost 4-6 weeks to work effectively and give clear results in patients.
- Strictly follow instructions about dose, frequency, and diet to get the best results from the medicine.
- Do not hesitate to share any side effects or no effects from medicine.
- First, try the medicine your doctor prescribes; if it doesn’t work, ask your doctor to change your medication.
Benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment
Benzodiazepines induce a soothing effect by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Benzodiazepines act quickly and can last for several hours. Benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for panic disorder, generalized disorder, and social anxiety disorder cases.
Commonly used Benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Alprazolam (Niravam or Xanax)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
Side effects of Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepines may cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Confusion
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Nightmares
Remember
- Doctors prescribe Benzodiazepines for a very short period because these medicines act quickly, and patients like to use them for their anxiety; they get addicted to them. That’s why doctors prescribe it for shorter durations. (for less than a month)
- Benzodiazepines are addictive, so if you stop using them immediately, then you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. That’s why to allow your doctor to minimize your dose gradually and not stop using benzodiazepines on your own.
Other anti-anxiety medicines
Buspirone (BuSpar)
This medicine is given to treat generalized anxiety disorder. It is usually prescribed along with antidepressants.
The side effects of Buspirone are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Light-headedness
- Trouble sleeping
Beta Blockers for anxiety treatment
Beta-blockers are usually given in heart patients, but in case of anxiety, they treat uneven heartbeat or high blood pressure. Beta-blockers are used in cases of panic disorders or phobias. Generally, to treat a feeling of a high-pressure situation.
Remember: Beta Blockers should not be used on a long-term basis; they are only used on an urgent basis.
Antihistamines for anxiety treatment
Hydroxyzine (Atrax and Vistaril) is an antihistamine used to treat anxiety. It decreases the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain that cause anxiety. These medicines act quickly, but unlike Benzodiazepines, they are not habit-forming.
All of the medicines mentioned above are used for different cases of anxiety. Do not use any of the anti-anxiety medicines on your own. Go to the doctor for your diagnosis and get a prescription. Then you can buy authentic medicines from painmeds365, a reliable online drug store.
