Anxiety Medications
What Are the Best Anxiety Medications for GAD?
GAD, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is characterized by symptoms of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. Studies have found that as many as 60-65% of those with GAD also have other psychiatric disorders in conjunction with it most often Panic Disorder and Major Depression.
Medications for anxiety disorder
Medication can be very useful in treating anxiety disorders and is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. The most important aspect of the process of beginning a medication is to have an open and honest discussion with your physician, followed by ongoing evaluation and monitoring.
Anxiety Medications
As anxiety medications, both antidepressants and tranquilisers are ineffectual. Both of these medications can also carry with them a number of unpleasant side effects and withdrawal issues. Many of the symptoms experienced by sufferers during withdrawal or as a result of using the medication can be misinterpreted by the sufferer as a worsening of their anxiety symptoms; this can cause the sufferer yet more distress and may lead to more anxiety. Often, anxiety medication withdrawal can cause the sufferer to experience what is called 'rebound anxiety', a condition marked by an increase in anxiety at the point of withdrawal.
Other Anxiety Medications
Whilst benzodiazepines are used as the 'first line' by doctors, other medications such as Buspar (buspirone), the beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol), Neurontin (Gabapentin), tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs and MAOIs are also often prescribed.
Buspar is often used for generalized anxiety disorders. Buspar is chemically similar to some antidepressants. Beta-blockers are used mainly for heart conditions (such as high blood pressure), but are also commonly prescribed for anxiety. Anti-depressants such as the tricyclics, SSRIs and MAOIs are also commonly prescribed.
Treatment
Several different types of medications are used to relieve generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.
Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines are sedatives that have the advantage of easing anxiety within 30 to 90 minutes. A different type of anti-anxiety medication often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder is buspirone (BuSpar). While this medication typically takes several weeks to improve symptoms, it doesn't pose a risk of dependence. Antidepressants: These medications influence the activity of certain neurotransmitters that are thought to play a role in anxiety disorders. Examples of antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), imipramine (Tofranil), venlafaxine (Effexor), escitalopram (Lexapro) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Anti-anxiety medications are prescribed for those with anxiety disorders. Millions of Americans suffering from the disorder find it disruptive enough to lead to loss of employment, relationships and poor health. The symptoms that appear to present themselves most consistently are feelings of apprehension, irregular heartbeat, uneasiness, faintness or irritability. It is when these symptoms, in conjunction with intense fear, become debilitating, that anti-anxiety medications may prove helpful.
Anxiety Medication and Children
The use of medication is just one of many treatment options available to manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Parents may be hesitant about giving medications to their children without knowing which ones are appropriate in terms of their effects and safety. Read on for more information about medications for treating children with anxiety disorders.
