Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although 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 combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for extended durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors do not 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 stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow 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, but it is less common.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments don't work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. As a result, they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients might feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long duration of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. Specifically, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up these 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, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which can positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial but it is important to note that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter duration. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and other substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial, especially if they have not had success with other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you are waiting for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could lead to addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they may increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.

The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects of sedation. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which influences the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may have negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression anxiety treatment near me, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower blood pressure, but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.

Anxiety is typically treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you determine the root cause of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they will consider your diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.