Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of non medication treatment for anxiety doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the best medication to treat anxiety and depression to take effect but most people start to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren’t habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for longer durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and the escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don’t know how SSRIs or SNRIs function, but they know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with their receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don’t respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart ailments. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing inpatient anxiety treatment prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments do not work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly similar to SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.

Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren’t able to create dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a medication after long-term use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease anxiety attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. Additionally, these drugs are able to interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have, especially heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they’re often called — are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They’re also helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they’re fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These meds To treat anxiety (mclean-Sanders-5.blogbright.net) don’t stay in the body very long, which is why they must be consumed regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos on prescription. Benzo abuse is usually the result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don’t cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren’t as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease menopause anxiety treatment and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that don’t require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When developing the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.