Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best treatment for anxiety and depression way to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical which plays a vital function in the regulation of mood. The medications take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a lengthy time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and 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 do not know how SNRIs or SSRIs work however they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing 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 nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less frequent.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used in situations where other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are usually more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatments and therapy.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long period of use. Because of this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety disorder treatment without medication experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. In this way, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a short period of time. In addition, these medicines are able to interact with other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medicines. Also keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as 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) do not work. They can be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes since they are rapid-acting. They don't remain in the body very long, which is why they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could cause addiction and physical dependence and should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety treatment For cats disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of developing those problems.

People who take benzos for long periods of time without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same effects. This could cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They impact serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can take a while to show results, up to 12 weeks, and have some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination 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 called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to begin working however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety but is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.

Anxiety is usually 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 assist you in working through the root 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. Talk to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when preparing this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.