Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce acute anxiety Treatment (Posteezy.com). SNRIs, which target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin are also effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. The drugs take a while to begin working, but most people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SNRIs or SSRIs work however they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 can also help with bulimia, but it is not as common.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those who suffer from social anxiety symptoms treatment disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments do not work. They can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. As a result, they are often more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other self treatment for anxiety strategies and talk therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long time of usage. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety as it activates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety treatment herbal-related behavior. SNRIs have been shown to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

Although these drugs can be very beneficial, it is important to remember that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter duration. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other drugs and other substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medications. Also be sure to inform them of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but others include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are quick-acting. They don't last for long in the body, therefore you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those issues.

People who use benzos over long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who take benzos on prescription. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood as well as appetite and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians with special training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to start working, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve 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. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history, symptoms, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When creating the plan, they consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.