Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are often the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people are better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind to receptors.
SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They may also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments don't work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long time of usage. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
best treatment for anxiety and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a key part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety and help to ease anxiety attacks.
These medications are very helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. These medications can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are 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 report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are commonly called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, such a insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they have not had success with other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting, they typically start to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.
People who take benzos for a long period of period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This condition is uncommon in those who take benzos according to prescription. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors such as alcoholism or depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop if they are taken for a long time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. This can sometimes result in respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed and on a regular basis.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause negative effects like 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 when abruptly cut off.
The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make changes to it as they go along.