What medication is used for anxiety in nursing?

Understanding Anxiety Medications in Nursing
Anxiety is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact individuals’ daily lives, manifesting in various forms and intensities. In nursing, addressing anxiety is crucial, as it can affect patient care and recovery. Medications play a vital role in managing anxiety disorders, and understanding these options is essential for nursing professionals.
Types of Medications Used for Anxiety
The primary classes of medications used to treat anxiety include anxiolytics, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Each class serves a different purpose and is chosen based on the patient’s specific needs and the severity of their symptoms.
1. Anxiolytics: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. They work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the nervous system. Commonly used anxiolytics include benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications are effective for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms but can lead to dependence if used long-term.
2. Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are often prescribed for anxiety disorders. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety over time. These medications are generally considered safer for long-term use compared to benzodiazepines.
3. Beta-blockers: While primarily used to treat heart conditions, beta-blockers such as propranolol can be effective in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. They are particularly useful for performance anxiety or situational anxiety.
Considerations for Nursing Practice
In nursing practice, it is essential to assess the patient’s individual circumstances, including the severity of their anxiety, any co-existing medical conditions, and their history with medications. This assessment helps in tailoring the treatment plan effectively. Nurses must also be aware of the potential side effects of these medications, which can include drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, particularly with benzodiazepines.
Moreover, medication is often most effective when combined with therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This holistic approach not only addresses the symptoms of anxiety but also helps patients develop coping strategies for managing their anxiety in the long term.
Conclusion
In summary, managing anxiety in nursing involves a careful selection of medications tailored to the patient’s needs. Anxiolytics, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are the primary options available, each with its own benefits and considerations. As anxiety can significantly affect patient outcomes, understanding these medications and their implications is crucial for nursing professionals in providing comprehensive care.

What do they give you at the hospital for anxiety?

Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).

What is the first drug of choice for anxiety?

Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are the first line medication treatments.

What is the most recommended drug for anxiety?

The most common type of medication prescribed for anxiety disorders are SSRIs, like Lexapro and Viibryd, as a first-line treatment and have relatively fewer side effects compared to other types of antidepressants, like MAOIs.

What do nurses take for anxiety?

Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used as first-line treatments for anxiety.

What do nurses give patients to calm down?

Interventions Open treatment with intramuscular midazolam or intramuscular haloperidol plus promethazine. Main outcome measures Patients tranquil or sedated at 20 minutes.

Can a nurse prescribe Xanax?

Xanax can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, neurologists, or nurse practitioners.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?

What Is the 333 Rule for Anxiety? You can use the 333 rule for anxiety in the moment something triggers you. Just look around to identify 3 objects and 3 sounds, then move 3 body parts. Many people find this strategy helps focus and ground them when anxiety seems overwhelming.

What is the best anxiety medication with less side effects?

Here are the pros and cons of four SSRIs that stand out from the crowd when it comes to having fewer side effects.

1. Celexa. Overall, Celexa seems to be one of the best-tolerated SSRIs for many people.
2. Lexapro. Lexapro is closely related to Celexa.
3. Prozac. Prozac causes less weight gain than other SSRIs.
4. Zoloft.

Can a nurse prescribe anxiety medication?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners: In many states, these practitioners can prescribe anxiety medication depending on the scope of their practice and state regulations.

What can I take for anxiety while nursing?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.