GAD medications can reduce your anxiety, helping you manage your daily tasks and improve your quality of life.
They work in the central nervous system by altering the levels of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) to relieve anxiety. Doctors may prescribe medications alone or in combination with psychotherapy to treat GAD.
There are different classes of GAD medications, and each type alters the level of a specific brain chemical. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine are the first-line medications for treating GAD.
Antidepressants
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SSRIs
SSRIs change the levels of neurotransmitters that influence your mood. They mostly affect serotonin, and sometimes they affect dopamine and norepinephrine.
These medications bind and block the receptors of these neurotransmitters. This gradually increases their concentration in the spaces between nerves, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
Here are typical examples of SSRIs that a doctor may prescribe for GAD:
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Benzodiazepines are medications that affect a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By stimulating GABA, benzodiazepines produce a relaxing effect in people with anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines are short-acting, so doctors typically prescribe them when a person requires rapid symptom relief.
There is also a risk of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence, so doctors prescribe them with caution.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal has profound side effects, such as extreme anxiety and tremors. If you’re taking a benzodiazepine, follow your prescription and talk with a doctor before stopping the medication.
Azapirones
Azapirones are medications that partially stimulate serotonin receptors called 5-HT1A. This helps with mood and has a relaxing effect.
Buspirone is a common example of medication in this class. Doctors typically use buspirone as a supportive medication along with SSRIs. Buspirone does not cause sedation in most people. It has a late onset of action.
GABAergics are a group of medications that influence GABA neurotransmissions in the brain.
They work by closing the calcium channels in nerve endings, which reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps calm the nerves and reduce anxious feelings.
Doctors do not often prescribe GABAergics for GAD, and there is less research into their effects on anxiety.
Second-generation or atypical antipsychotics have mood-stabilizing and relaxing effects because they increase the concentration of dopamine and serotonin in the nerve endings in the brain.
These antipsychotics act by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain.
Antipsychotics for anxiety are off-label treatments. It’s important that you and your healthcare professional consider their side effects profile to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Examples of second-generation antipsychotics medications are:
CBT helps people with anxiety disorders identify and change harmful thought patterns that affect their mood and lead to anxiety. The therapy typically involves multiple psychoeducation and counseling sessions.
Other supportive therapies include:
engaging in regular aerobic exercises
complementary medicine methods, such as acupuncture
getting enough sleep
eating a nutritious diet
Summary
GAD medications affect the concentration of brain neurotransmitters, which affects your mood. There are different classes of GAD medications. Common examples are SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines.
Sudden withdrawal or changing your intake of these medications can lead to significant adverse effects. That’s why it’s important to follow a doctor’s prescription when taking any of these medications.
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