Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. The medications take a while to work, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use 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) and escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind with 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 be helpful with bulimia, however it is less common.

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

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments do not work. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments for anxiety disorders and therapy.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients could be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a long time of usage. Due to this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood and help to ease panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial, it is important to remember that they can carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter duration. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other drugs and other substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medications. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they have not had success with other treatments, separation Anxiety disorder treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. 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, but others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically start to work within 30 minutes. These meds to treat Anxiety (olderworkers.com.au) don't stay in the body for long, so they must be regularly taken to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for those who take benzos on prescription. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes like alcoholism or depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some instances, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety however, it can also be utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk with your therapist about which options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and formulate an anxiety treatment plan that is appropriate for you. When developing the plan, they will consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.