Anxiety Medication

Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders: Cymbalta vs Paxil?

Anxiety Medication

The world that we live in can be very fast-paced and often stressful. Although some people seem to be able to work through those types of situations without much difficulty, others have a harder time.

Anxiety or the feeling of worry, or unease about something that has an uncertain outcome is entirely normal. Unfortunately, individuals can become so focused on those troublesome things that they are unable to move on. Many of these people may suffer from an anxiety disorder. This is a term used to describe a group of mental illnesses whose distress can prevent someone from living a healthy life. Worry and fear are often constant in people with anxiety disorders and can be disabling.

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Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders: panic disorder [1*] , social anxiety disorder [2*] , generalized anxiety disorder [3*] , and specific phobias. While these conditions share some general symptoms, others can be quite different.

Common anxiety disorder symptoms:

  • Panic, fear, and uneasiness
  • Sleep problems
  • Inability to stay calm
  • Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling hands or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Tense muscles
  • Dizziness
Anxiety Types

While researchers don’t exactly know what causes anxiety disorder, they believe that these conditions are the result of a combination of issues, including genetics or faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and other emotions. Individuals who have symptoms of anxiety disorders should consult their doctor to rule out medical illnesses that could be causing the symptoms. Unfortunately, no lab tests can accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Treatment Options

Typically, anxiety disorders are treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. While talk therapy can help individuals articulate their anxiety, practitioners can also recommend beginning treatment with an appropriate medication designed to lessen the severity of symptoms or to prevent them altogether. Two of the most common medications for anxiety are Cymbalta and Paxil.

Cymbalta for Anxiety

Cymbalta [4*] is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is an antidepressant that affects the chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people who have depression as well as those who have a generalized anxiety disorder. While some medications of this type are not suggested for children, Cymbalta has been approved for anyone over the age of seven but must be used with caution.

Paxil for Anxiety

Paxil [5*] is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that, like Cymbalta, affects specific chemicals in the brain. Paxil can be used to treat depression, anxiety, or other disorders as well as improve mood. Unfortunately, it can have more unwanted side effects than other medications that work as it does.

Book your appointment with an anti-anxiety treatment expert to get the most suitable medication prescribed.

Cymbalta vs. Paxil

While both medications have been proven to be effective, some people or their physicians may prefer one over another depending on the person’s symptoms and other individual specifics. The following chart highlights some of the things that should be considered before taking either medication.

 ProsCons
Paxil
  • Available in a generic form
  • Taken once a day
  • More likely to increase the risk of sexual dysfunction than other antidepressants
  • May not be appropriate if you are an older adult or have dementia
  • Can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and children
Cymbalta
  • Available in a generic form
  • May help alleviate nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of chronic pain
  • Has several uses which may be suitable for individuals with multiple conditions
  • Not recommended for heavy drinkers and those who have liver or kidney problems
  • Can cause high blood pressure
  • Can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors for patients under 24 years old

How to Get a Cymbalta or Paxil Prescription

Although occasional anxiety can be a normal part of life, those who deal with it on a routine basis or notice that it impairs day-to-day living should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner such as those at EZCare clinic. During your initial consultation, the experienced staff will work with you to determine the root causes that contribute to your anxiety and will design a treatment regimen that will include medications to ease or prevent symptoms and therapy or counseling. With the addition of counseling, patients can learn effective coping techniques that can help with any future issues.

Anxiety Medication

Our staff of caring and knowledgeable professionals has the experience necessary to help you with managing different conditions. From anxiety and depression treatment to weight management and everything in between, EZCare clinic is dedicated to providing our patients with a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that promotes comprehensive treatment based on proven methodologies, medications, and support services.

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Sources

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+5 sources
  1. Panic Disorder
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  2. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
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  3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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  4. Cymbalta. (2023)
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  5. Paroxetine—The Antidepressant from Hell? Probably Not, But Caution Required. (2016)
    Source link
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Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of experts strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers
in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.