How do you treat severe anxiety in the elderly?

Antidepressants. Antidepressants for the treatment of adults with generalized anxiety disorder include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) escitalopram (Lexapro) and paroxetine (Paxil), and the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Is Alprazolam safe to use?

Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Benzodiazepines may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use.

Is Xanax good for elderly?

MONDAY, Sept. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — When older people use drugs like Valium or Xanax to calm anxiety or help them sleep, they run a high risk of becoming drug-dependent, new research suggests.

What is alprazolam used for?

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks).

What is alprazolam used for and side effects?

Alprazolam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, including anxiety caused by depression. It is also used to treat panic disorder in some patients. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine.

What is the best sleeping pill for the elderly?

In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.

Does Alprazolam affect memory?

RVP total hits after two weeks of alprazolam treatment were improved in alprazolam group. But such differences were not observed in placebo group. In our study, we found that chronic administration of alprazolam affects memory but attentive and psychomotor performance remained unaffected.

Which benzodiazepine is best for elderly?

Short-half-life benzodiazepines, such as oxazepam, alprazolam, and triazolam, are usually recommended for older adults, because these agents do not accumulate in the blood, are rapidly cleared from circulation, and offer greater dosage flexibility.

Is Alprazolam safe for elderly?

However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and kidney, liver, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Why is alprazolam banned?

Alprazolam is prescribed for diabetes and hypertension and by psychiatrists for panic and anxiety disorders. “ The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Nashik and Malegaon police claimed to have busted an illegal supply chain of the narcotic, Alprazolam, that was being used by power loom workers for addiction.

How does alprazolam affect the brain?

Xanax works by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promotes calmness and produces a relaxed feeling. The drug decreases the level of excitement in the brain to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Can Xanax make you sleepy?

Unlike some drugs, such as cocaine, that produce a “high” or euphoric feeling, Xanax users describe feeling more relaxed, quiet, and tired. These feelings may lead to falling asleep or passing out for a few hours.

Can alprazolam cause dementia?

Last year, a widely publicized study again found that benzodiazepines–Ativan, Valium, and Xanax–which are often used to treat anxiety and sleep problems, were linked to increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people.