Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin an ingredient that plays a crucial function in the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a long time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used Meds To Treat Anxiety treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function however they do know that they increase the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing 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 for bulimia, though it is less prevalent.

People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. In turn, they are often more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following long-term use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short period. In addition, these medicines may interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you 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 experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. 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 others include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin working within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they can increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, may develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This problem is rare in people who use benzos according to prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial natural ways to treat depression and anxiety take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in medication management.

Doctors may also prescribe a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to start working, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.