Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when an infrequent course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, ehostingpoint.com a substance that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the medication to be effective however, people typically start to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs don't develop into an addiction and are not addictive, so they can be taken for a long period of time.

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

Doctors do not know how SSRIs or SNRIs function however they do know that they boost the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind with their receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (source web page), GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also help with bulimia, however it is less prevalent.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant and are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart issues. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. In turn, they are usually more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.

Unlike other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy time of usage. It is important to consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.

While these medications can be very beneficial however, it is important to note that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter duration. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other drugs and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the counter medicines. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, although other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to reap the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time could result in physical dependence and addiction, so they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for 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. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians who have specialized training in the management of medications.

Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychologists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and develop an appropriate natural treatment depression anxiety plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they consider your lifestyle, diagnosis, medical background, and preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.