Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. The medications take a while to work, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addictive, so they can be used for a long duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) as well as the escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). 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 don't know exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind with 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.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given together with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can help in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medicines aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication after long-term use. Due to this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to 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 response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. In this way they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and as a consequence, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter duration. They can also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the generic medication. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions like heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for patients suffering from mild anxiety treatment disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy while you wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin working within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time can result in physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of these issues.

People who use benzos over an extended period of time without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for those who take benzos as prescribed. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their sedating effects. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to have the same effect. In some instances, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used natural methods to treat anxiety treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized training in medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of anxiety and recommend ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make adjustments as needed.