“What medication is given for generalized anxiety disorder?”
I'm 22 years old and I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. What medications are usually given for this disorder?
6 Answers
Zoloft prozac Effexor cymbalta
Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. If they do, run away and get a different doctor, one who reads the medical journals and knows that long term use of these medications leads to worsened anxiety symptoms AND a dependency (addiction) to these medicines. Or you may wish to go to a liquor store or a bar and purchase alcohol. Overall, benzodiazepines work on your brain in a similar fashion. Both are effective for reducing anxiety in the short run (minutes) and over a long term (months) cause addiction and a host of other psychological and medical problems.
To treat anxiety in a non-harmful way, studies show that getting regular exercise, quitting a toxic job, leaving an abusive spouse and thinking positive thoughts are truly helpful. Medications that are first line to treat anxiety and are not known for causing harm in 9 out of ten people are the SSRI’s such as Prozac or Paxil. These, combined with psychotherapy (talking to a counselor, social worker or psychologist on a regular basis about personal problems that are upsetting or too private to discuss with coworkers or family members) are proven to be first choice treatment for anxiety disorders. A primary care doctor can recommend a therapist for you and can prescribe medications for you. Be careful however if you have a personal or family history of bipolar disorder because the antidepressants in the SSRI family (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft etc) can trigger an episode of mania for persons who have underlying bipolar disorder. If that happens, or if you don’t get relief from a combination of an SSRI plus counseling and or Yoga, then you need to see a psychiatrist. Just like I tell people to not get their teeth pulled by an auto mechanic, don’t try to pull your own teeth. See your doctor. If it’s too tough for your family doctor to treat, ask for a psychiatrist.
Whatever you do, RUN AWAY from doctors who try to prescribe Xanax, Clonazepam or Valium for anxiety. They are not keeping up with the medical literature and you would be better off drinking beer or wine because it’s nearly as effective, only slightly more habit forming, booze is cheaper than Xanax, and easier to get refills.
To treat anxiety in a non-harmful way, studies show that getting regular exercise, quitting a toxic job, leaving an abusive spouse and thinking positive thoughts are truly helpful. Medications that are first line to treat anxiety and are not known for causing harm in 9 out of ten people are the SSRI’s such as Prozac or Paxil. These, combined with psychotherapy (talking to a counselor, social worker or psychologist on a regular basis about personal problems that are upsetting or too private to discuss with coworkers or family members) are proven to be first choice treatment for anxiety disorders. A primary care doctor can recommend a therapist for you and can prescribe medications for you. Be careful however if you have a personal or family history of bipolar disorder because the antidepressants in the SSRI family (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft etc) can trigger an episode of mania for persons who have underlying bipolar disorder. If that happens, or if you don’t get relief from a combination of an SSRI plus counseling and or Yoga, then you need to see a psychiatrist. Just like I tell people to not get their teeth pulled by an auto mechanic, don’t try to pull your own teeth. See your doctor. If it’s too tough for your family doctor to treat, ask for a psychiatrist.
Whatever you do, RUN AWAY from doctors who try to prescribe Xanax, Clonazepam or Valium for anxiety. They are not keeping up with the medical literature and you would be better off drinking beer or wine because it’s nearly as effective, only slightly more habit forming, booze is cheaper than Xanax, and easier to get refills.
Ssri
Some psychiatrists prescribe benzodiazepines, others prescribe SSRIs. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and have serious side effects on long-term use. SSRIs can have sexual desire inhibition in some people. Bupropion can also be used with less risks. In my practice, I give a month of benzodiazepines and then taper this down and combined it with Bupropion for the long term. Make sure your psychiatrist explains to you the benefits and risks of any treatment recommended.
Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD
Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD
Usually 3 groups:
1) Pregabalin and the group
2) Citalopram, prozac and similar groups
3)Tricyclics and similar in that order
1) Pregabalin and the group
2) Citalopram, prozac and similar groups
3)Tricyclics and similar in that order
Antidepressants are the safest route. Not addictive
