Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes taking a short course of medicine is required. 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 that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is important for mood regulation. It takes a while for the medications to be effective but most people begin to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can be used for a lengthy time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind to their 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, however it is not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are typically more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment anxiety without medication strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for most effective anxiety treatment people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a crucial part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a result they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short time. Additionally, these drugs may interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medications. Also keep them informed of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some sufferers of anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of developing those issues.

Benzo users who take them for long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos according to prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long period of time. As you get used to them, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

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 take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

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

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and Anti Anxiety Holistic treatment. Certain patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of 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 the best medication to treat anxiety for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. They will take into consideration your particular medical background and preferences when creating the plan and will make changes to it as they go along.