Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. It takes some time for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for extended durations of time.

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

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, but it is less prevalent.

People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant. they are less likely of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically before or after surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly as SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective when combined with other treatments and therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause addiction or dependence in the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following long-term use. This is why it is crucial to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety treatment holistic because it activates the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviour. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any medical conditions that you may have, especially heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, however other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. These medications don't last very long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they could increase the risk.

People who use benzos over long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem however. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

The long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They may take a long time to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach 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 anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. When creating the plan, they consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.