Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best way to reduce anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) and 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. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how treat anxiety without medication to treat anxiety without drugs (bille-ernstsen-3.blogbright.net) SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to interact 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 be helpful with bulimia, however it is not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication after long-term use. This is why it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to note that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Because of this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter duration. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medicines. Also keep them informed of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are medications that act quickly that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

Because they're fast-acting, they typically start to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of these issues.

Benzo users who take them for long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition, however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood appetite, sleep, and mood. It can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may have adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to take effect but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but is also used 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. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage 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 about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your medical history, symptoms, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.