Medications For Anxiety
There are various medications available to treat anxiety. These medicines work by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Some medications are prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety (benzodiazepines), while others should be used long term as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepam (Valium).
SSRI antidepressants are often prescribed to help combat anxiety symptoms over time. They should be taken every day for several weeks in order to provide temporary relief and improve sleep quality.
They are generally safe and effective for most people, but may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some of them can even lower blood pressure or cause jitteriness.
SNRI antidepressants work by increasing serotonin and noradrenaline levels in your brain. While these drugs are usually prescribed for long-term use, they may help alleviate anxiety symptoms; however, they have more potential side effects than benzodiazepines.
Other medications for anxiety are antihistamines and beta-blockers. These can help control itching, which is often a symptom of anxiety.
Anxiety medications may be taken with or without psychotherapy. Talk therapy has the potential to reduce and control anxiety symptoms while improving quality of life. Other non-pharmacological measures that may help reduce anxiety include exercise, diet, and living a healthy lifestyle.