What is anxiety medication and how does it work?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a useful response to potentially stressful or dangerous situations that increases our awareness of what’s going on around us. Anxiety medications include multiple types of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders in our bodies. The most commonly prescribed types of anxiety medication are beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.

It works primarily by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Generally, Beta-blockers are used to address the physical symptoms that can accompany an anxiety attack. Anxiety disorders are associated with certain chemical imbalances in the brain involving neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA.

What are the Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

1) Medication for Anxiety

Medications are often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies and are useful for alleviating the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Some types of anxiety drugs are usually prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis and can be habit-forming. Different anxiety disorders have different medications. Some are designed to cure the problem and some are preventive.

2) Therapy for Anxiety

Psychotherapy with or without medications is often considered a fundamental aspect of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Supportive-expressive therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy focus on anxiety as an outgrowth of feelings about important relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves restructuring patterns of thinking that foster anxiety and learning behavioral relaxation techniques.

3) Lifestyle Modifications to Alleviate Anxiety

Daily exercise is a helpful treatment for anxiety symptoms. If you find exercise works for you then it will push you to go for brisk walks that you enjoy. You can get your heart rate into the target range for your age for at least 25 minutes each time you exercise.

What are the top 3 anxiety medications?

Certain drugs work better for some types of anxiety than others but they have different side effects and risks. Some top best drugs for anxiety are:

Alprazolam (Xanax): It is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic that comes in many dosage forms like a tablet, extended-release tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and a concentrated liquid. You take this tablet once a day and the other forms 2 to 4 times a day.

Clonazepam (Klonopin): It is another benzo anxiolytic that is available as a regular tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet. You consume it up to three times a day, with or without food.

Diazepam (Valium): It is also a benzo anxiolytic that comes as a tablet, solution, and concentrated liquid. You can add the dose to a beverage or soft food, such as pudding after that you must consume the entire drink or snack.

Buspirone (Buspar): It is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is usually taken twice a day. It should always be taken with food or always taken without food. You should also avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice which can increase the risk of side effects and increase amounts of buspirone in your body.

If you are having side effects after taking it then talk with your doctor. Never stop taking your anxiety medicine without talking with your doctor first.