Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to begin working, but most people feel better within four to six weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a long period of time.

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

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact with 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. This means that they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best treatment for social anxiety disorder when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long period of use. This is why it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood reactions. Specifically, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. In 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 levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviour. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which may positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease anxiety attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. These medications may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non drug treatment for anxiety-prescription medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial, especially if they have not had success with other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Benzos include diazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for long, therefore they should be consumed regularly to get the full benefits. Benzos taken for long durations of time can cause physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

People who use benzos for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos on prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression usually a result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long period of time. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can be slow to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in the management of medications.

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

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.