Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take time to begin working, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, so they can be used for extended durations of time.

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

Doctors don't know exactly how to treat anxiety attacks SSRIs and SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within 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 aid in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant and are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. In turn, they are often more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when they are used in conjunction with talk therapy and other alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long period of use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs have been shown to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal thinking in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter time. Additionally, these drugs are able to interact with other drugs and other substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the counter medication. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are medications that act quickly that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to 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, lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These Meds to Treat anxiety don't stay in the body for very long, which is why they must be taken on a regular basis to get the full benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged durations of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression because they may increase the risk of developing those issues.

People who use benzos for long periods of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes, such as alcoholism and depression.

The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects on sedation. As you get used to them to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and may cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized training in medication management.

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

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. It is used to control blood pressure, but is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is working with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root cause of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment for anxiety attacks that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When developing the plan, they will consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.