Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a substance that is vital for the regulation of mood. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can be taken for a long time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and permit 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 may also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less common.
People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. treatment for depression and anxiety include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant. They have a lower risk of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. They can be habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This means that they are often more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients might be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy duration of use. Because of this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a crucial part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence, they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety levels or aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, as it activates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.
Although these drugs can be very beneficial however, it is important to note that they carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues 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 commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're quick-acting. These medications don't last very long in the body, so it is essential to take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Using benzos for long durations of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of these problems.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos according to prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same results. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.
Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history and create an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.