Treatments and Medications for Agoraphobia - What are the treatment options for Agoraphobia? What are the common drugs and medications used to treat Agoraphobia? Learn more about the treatment options and medications for Agoraphobia.
Treatments and Medications for Agoraphobia
New York (USA), November 24, 2014
What are the treatment options for Agoraphobia?
Why it can sometimes be difficult to treat and manage an Agoraphobia?
What are the benefits and risks of various treatment options for Agoraphobia?
What are the different medicines usually prescribed by doctors for Agoraphobia?
What are the common drugs and medications used to treat Agoraphobia?
What are the generic and brand names of drugs used for the treatment of Agoraphobia?
Learn more about the treatment options and medications for Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia – Treatments and Medications
The primary aim of agoraphobia treatment is to ease your symptoms and help you overcome your anxieties. Common treatment option is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with antidepressant medications.
Medications for Agoraphobia
Doctors often start with a medication and check how you respond to it. You may need to try different medications under medical supervision before doctor finally analyzes the best medication for your condition. Medications for agoraphobia include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Such medications include paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR) and fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly, and Sarafem). SSRIs are the first medications prescribed for agoraphobia. Side effects include nausea, headaches, insomnia and sexual dysfunction.
Antidepressants: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or Tricyclic antidepressants are effective but cause many side effects.
Anti-Anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are effective anti-anxiety medications. You should take in prescribed doses, as otherwise, they cause dependence and you may find it difficult to stay without them. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, loss of balance, confusion, and loss of memory. Do not consume alcohol while on benzodiazepines.
Beta-Blocker Medications: Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication. This medication blocks effects of adrenaline in your body and you do not suffer anxiety attacks.
Doctor increases dosage of medications gradually and follows a gradual weaning process.
Therapy for Agoraphobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy functions in two parts, cognitive part and behavioral part. Cognitive part of this therapy educates you on how to control agoraphobia attacks. You identify triggers and learn to use relaxation tactics like deep breathing to combat them. In behavioral part, you use exposure therapy. You face difficult and anxious situations either with a family member or with your therapist. You venture to crowded places. You slowly overcome your anxiety of crowded places.
Psychotherapy: This therapy is extremely beneficial for people living in far-flung areas with little access to easy medical care. These therapy sessions are available on the Internet. You follow specific therapy schedules that include suggestions, persuasions, self-awareness, perceptions of your ailment, and reassurance of how to overcome your fear and anxiety effectively. Such psychotherapy includes psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family therapy.
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