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Anxiety disorder greatly affects the patient's life and thinking. Therefore, when suffering from anxiety disorders, many people choose to take medication to improve their health. So what is the medication for anxiety disorder?
1. Learn about anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, affecting the patient's life quite a lot. When suffering from the disease, patients often have symptoms such as: Restlessness, anxiety or excessive fear, heart palpitations, stress, loss of concentration... Currently, the specific cause of the disease has not been determined, but may be due to a combination of factors including genetic, environmental, psychological and developmental.
There are now many different treatment options for anxiety disorders, the two most common are:
Psychotherapy Using medication The choice of which method will depend on the outcome examination, age, medical condition, and comorbid conditions. In addition to the above two measures, the patient is also suggested to make lifestyle changes from reducing alcohol consumption, changing diet, exercising and meditating to improve health day by day.
2. Anxiety disorder should take what medicine?
Many patients are identified with an anxiety disorder but are afraid of treatment at the hospital, so they often choose to use medication at home. So what is the medication for anxiety disorder? Accordingly, a few drugs that people with anxiety disorders can refer to are:
2.1 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs Antidepressants are used quite often to treat symptoms of anxiety. The drug works by increasing serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and body energy levels.
Common SSRIs are escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine... The drug process can take 4 to 6 weeks to be effective. Besides, during the course of taking the drug, patients may also experience some side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, erectile dysfunction and dizziness. Therefore, before using the drug should consult a qualified doctor.
2.2 Tricyclic antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants are another class of antidepressants that are commonly indicated in the treatment of symptoms of anxiety disorders. Like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants are generally slow-acting, taking on average 4 to 12 weeks to take effect. During use, patients may face a few side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia and rapid weight gain. Therefore, patients need to be careful when using the drug.
2.3 Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a group of commonly prescribed drugs with anti-anxiety and sedative effects. The drug works by causing a state of relaxation by affecting the brain's gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, resulting in a slower central nervous system activity.
In addition to being used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, the drug is also prescribed to treat insomnia, muscle spasms, as well as panic and anxiety attacks. When using the drug will help bring about the effect slowly but quite safe for the patient. However, patients should only use it after being examined and prescribed by a doctor.
2.4 Beta-blockers Often used to treat high blood pressure or physical symptoms of acute anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and chest tightness. However, the use of drugs did not help patients improve anxiety, panic in patients.
2.5 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Like most antidepressants, monoamine oxidase works by balancing brain neurotransmitters to help improve mood levels. However, during the use of the drug, patients may experience problems with blood pressure. This really needs to be considered in the matter of drug use.
All medications used to treat anxiety disorders have a certain effect during treatment. However, when using the drug, the patient needs to make sure that he has been checked by his doctor and prescribed the dose.
3. What should patients with anxiety disorder pay attention to when taking medication?
In order for the medication process to be effective, safe and help patients quickly stabilize their health, people with anxiety disorders need to pay attention to the following issues: Medicines should be used correctly and in adequate doses as prescribed by the doctor. prescription When taking medicine can cause some side effects, you can consult your doctor in this case. During the process of taking the drug, the patient should not use stimulants, carbonated drinks, alcohol because it will affect the effect of the drug. Combine a healthy diet with regular exercise to make the treatment process more effective. The above are drugs that are prescribed by doctors for patients with anxiety disorders, patients can learn more before making a decision to use.
If you still have questions about anxiety disorders, you can go to Vinmec International General Hospital for further examination and advice. The hospital has many specialties, with a team of experienced doctors who will directly examine and provide the best treatment for patients.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
