Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addictive, so they can continue to be used for a long 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) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs but they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals 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 can also help with bulimia, but it is less prevalent.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to treat anxiety treatment elderly and are often prescribed for heart ailments. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar manner similar medicine to treat anxiety and depression SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in most people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. Due to this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is linked to fearful behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which may positively impact anticipatory anxiety treatment and mood as well as ease panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. These medications may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or 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. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body very long, therefore they should be regularly taken to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.

Benzo users who use them for long periods of time, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this problem, however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same results. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take a while to show results, up to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used how to treat anxiety attacks treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.