Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells within the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes some time for the medication to begin working, but people usually start to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addictive, which is why they can continue to 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) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as 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 do not know how to treat anxiety disorder naturally SSRIs or SNRIs function however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent 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 can also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments do not work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly as SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. This is why it is crucial to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood and stress responses. Specifically, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

While these medications can be very beneficial but it is important to remember that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. These medications can also interact with other drugs and Anxiety Treatment Plan substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the counter medicines. Also keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, such a insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you are waiting for an antidepressant to begin working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes since they are quick-acting. They don't last for long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who use benzos over an extended period without medical supervision, and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

The long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some 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. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if they are 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 taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in the management of medications.

Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is to consult an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and formulate an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, diagnosis, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.