Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course medication may be required. The medications used to treat Anxiety treatment Glasgow include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people are better after four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for long periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and 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 exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing 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 can also help with bulimia, however it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart issues. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder treatment anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. In turn, they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following long-term use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and, as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic 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 fearful behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

While these medications can be very beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. Additionally, these drugs may interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful, especially if they have not responded to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can result in physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

People who use benzos over an extended period 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 rare for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to produce the same effect. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized training in the management of medications.

Doctors can prescribe a class of 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 can take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history, symptoms and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when preparing this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.