Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. It takes a while for the medication to be effective treatment for anxiety but most people begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be used for longer durations of time.

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

Doctors don't know how SSRIs or SNRIs function, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and permit them to bind to 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 aid in Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually given in combination with an antidepressant. They also have a lower risk of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way to SSRIs however they also boost the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result, they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively affect mood and anxiety as well as ease anxiety attacks.

Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial but it is important to note that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Because of this, they are typically prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. In addition, these medications can interact with several other drugs and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medications. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be beneficial for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other new treatments for anxiety, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin working within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for very long, which is why they must be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time could lead to addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of those problems.

People who use benzos for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in those who take benzos on prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long period of time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the Best treatment for generalized Anxiety option for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for you. They will take into consideration your particular medical background and preferences when creating the plan and will make changes to it as they go along.