Should i take meds for anxiety

But certain individuals are at a higher risk:. People over Older adults are more sensitive to the sedating effects of benzodiazepines. Even small doses can cause confusion, amnesia, loss of balance, and cognitive impairment that looks like dementia. Benzodiazepine use in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of falls, broken hips and legs, and car accidents. People with a history of substance abuse.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Benzodiazepine use during pregnancy can lead to dependence in the developing baby, with withdrawal following birth. Benzodiazepines are also excreted in breast milk.

Therefore, pregnant women need to have a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits of these medications with their prescribing doctor. If medication is necessary, the goal is the smallest effective dose. Benzodiazepines cause drowsiness and poor coordination, which increases your risk for accidents at home, at work, and on the road.

When on benzodiazepines, be very careful when driving, operating machinery, or doing anything else that requires physical coordination. Many medications originally approved for the treatment of depression are also prescribed for anxiety. In comparison to benzodiazepines, the risk for dependency and abuse is smaller. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder GAD , obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD , panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Although physical dependence is not as quick to develop with antidepressants, withdrawal can still be an issue. If discontinued too quickly, antidepressant withdrawal can trigger symptoms such as extreme depression and fatigue, irritability, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia.

Antidepressants can make depression worse rather than better for some people, leading to an increased risk of suicide, hostility, and even homicidal behavior. While this is particularly true of children and young adults, anyone taking antidepressants should be closely watched. Signs that medication is making things worse include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hostility, restlessness, and extreme agitation—particularly if the symptoms appear suddenly or rapidly deteriorate.

If you spot the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, contact a doctor or therapist immediately. If you are concerned that a friend or family member is contemplating suicide, see Suicide Prevention. The suicide risk is greatest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment. Buspirone, also known by the brand name BuSpar, is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts as a mild tranquilizer. Buspirone relieves anxiety by increasing serotonin in the brain—as the SSRIs do—and decreasing dopamine.

Compared to benzodiazepines, buspirone is slow acting—taking about two weeks to start working. Since the risk of dependence is low and it has no serious drug interactions, buspirone is a better option for older individuals and people with a history of substance abuse.

However, its effectiveness is limited. Beta blockers—including drugs such as propranolol Inderal and atenolol Tenormin —are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. However, they are also prescribed off-label for anxiety. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine, a stress hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response.

This helps control the physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heart rate, a trembling voice, sweating, dizziness, and shaky hands. These non-drug treatments can produce lasting changes and long-term relief. If you have panic disorder, you are more likely to have other problems, including: Depression. This is a fear of being in public places. What types of medicines are used for panic disorder? These include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , such as citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline.

These are the most common medicines for panic disorder. Tricyclic antidepressants TCAs , such as clomipramine or imipramine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs , such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Antidepressants with mixed neurotransmitter effects, such as venlafaxine. Benzodiazepines , such as alprazolam or clonazepam. They are sometimes used for panic disorder. They may be used alone or with an antidepressant. These drugs can help you feel better right away. They may also be used as a part of long-term treatment, either alone or with an antidepressant. They may be especially helpful if you have agoraphobia.

They can be taken as needed. Symptoms often come back when you stop taking them. What can you expect if you take medicines for panic disorder? Talk with your doctor if: You don't notice any improvement by 3 weeks. You have concerns or questions about your medicines. Benzodiazepines help relieve symptoms right away. It can help you to: Deal with problems you are having right now. Learn how to deal with future anxiety and panic attacks. Why might your doctor recommend taking medicines?

Your doctor might advise you to take medicines if: You have not been able to control your symptoms with other treatment, such as counselling with cognitive-behavioural therapy.

You have other problems linked to panic disorder that could benefit from medicine, such as depression or problems with drugs or alcohol. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take medicines for panic disorder Don't take medicines. Compare Option 2 Take medicines for panic disorder Don't take medicines. Take medicines for panic disorder Take medicines for panic disorder For antidepressants, you take pills or liquids every day or on certain days of the month, for months or years. For benzodiazepines, you take pills or liquids as needed.

You may also try counselling along with taking medicine. Medicine may cause side effects such as: Nausea. Trouble sleeping. Don't take medicines Don't take medicines You try counselling, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, to control your symptoms. Counselling works as well as medicine for many people who have panic disorder. You don't have side effects from taking medicine. Your panic disorder may get worse if you have no treatment. Personal stories about people deciding whether to take medicine to treat panic disorder These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.

What matters most to you? Reasons to take medicines for panic disorder Reasons not to take medicines for panic disorder. I don't want to take medicines if at all possible.

My panic disorder is not improving enough with counselling alone. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Taking medicines NOT taking medicines. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States with 19 percent of the population affected every year. Though highly treatable, Anxiety is one of the most undertreated mental illness, and we need to talk more about it.

Anxiety disorders affect Common examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, substance-induced anxiety disorder and specific phobias. They can affect your entire life. However, you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms such as getting help from a health care professional early and avoiding the use of non-prescribed drugs and alcohol.

Common signs and symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, restlessness or tenseness, a sense of impending danger or doom, increased heart rate, breathing rapidly, sweating, trembling, feeling weak or tired, trouble concentrating or sleeping, stomach aches and headaches and the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety. Anxiety disorders often develop from a complex set of risk factors. The risk factors may include exposure to trauma, certain medical problems like thyroid disease or heart disease, stress due to a severe illness and other mental health disorders like depression.

The use or misuse of drugs and alcohol can worsen symptoms of anxiety. Your primary care provider is the best place to start that journey. Benzodiazepines also treat severe muscle spasms, tremors and acute seizures.

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Klonopin, provide rapid relief from a panic attack. Providers may also prescribe them to prevent cases of acute anxiety like those stemming from a plane ride, for those with a fear of flying, or the moments leading up to a surgery. Do you find yourself getting annoyed or irritated by the smallest little things? If it happens a lot, it could be a sign of anxiety. Researchers at Concordia University recently found a possible reason for this link.

According to the researchers, when the outcome of a situation could be good or bad, anxious people tend to assume the worst. That results in heightened anxiety. Calming your anxious thoughts—naturally or with the help of an anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a clinician—can improve your mood and relationships.

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