4 Medications to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Appropriate Medications
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment: A Comprehensive Approach
If you are struggling with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and seeking effective treatment, it is important to understand that a combination of methods is necessary for full recovery. The most popular and trusted approach involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication to alleviate moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Medications prescribed for GAD work by reducing the intensity of anxiety-induced symptoms, while behavioral therapies focus on identifying triggers and helping patients become familiar with situations that cause fear or worry.
When it comes to medications specifically used to alleviate severe symptoms of anxiety disorders, including GAD, it is important to note that they are not meant to be taken for an extended period of time. This is because these beneficial drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction, which can worsen the condition and hinder the recovery process. There are various types of prescription drugs that have proven effective in GAD cases worldwide.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat major depressive disorder, chronic pain conditions, and certain addictions. Although depression and GAD have different symptoms, this class of medication is highly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. The good news for patients is that there are different classes of antidepressants available to treat varying degrees of GAD. These medications have also been proven effective in treating social anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in many countries. Examples include Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (Paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline). These medications are in high demand because they tend to produce fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants. Although they have similar mechanisms of action, SSRIs differ in terms of side effects, dosage plans, and specific purposes.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant widely used for depression and anxiety disorders. Unlike SSRIs, they interact with both serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples include Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine), which are as effective as Paxil and Lexapro in controlling GAD symptoms.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs, such as Tofranil (imipramine) and Pamelor (nortriptyline), are antidepressants that typically require a single dose to treat GAD and depression symptoms. TCAs are started at lower doses due to potential side effects such as agitation, restlessness, panic attacks, and cardiac effects. These medications are not prescribed to patients with underlying health issues.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs have a long history of use in treating depression and are also beneficial in managing symptoms of anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and social phobias. However, they are known to have severe side effects, making them a risky choice. Patients taking MAOIs must follow a strict diet as these medications can interact with a substance called tyramine found in certain foods, leading to adverse effects. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline (Emsam), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are psychoactive drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and alcohol addiction. They are particularly effective in treating GAD when combined with antidepressants to enhance recovery. Examples include Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam). Xanax is especially popular due to its efficiency and relatively fewer side effects.
However, benzodiazepines have their own set of side effects that may cause discomfort for patients. It is important for patients to buy Xanax online with a prescription and take necessary precautions. These medications are typically used for a short period of time until the combination of medications, such as antidepressants, takes effect in reducing severe GAD symptoms.
Patients planning to buy alprazolam online must ensure the authenticity of the prescribed drug, as there are pharmacies selling counterfeit products for unfair profit. Benzodiazepines are habit-forming drugs with cases of addiction and abuse reported worldwide. They are