Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medication to begin working however, people typically begin to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addictive, so they can continue to be used for a lengthy time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to interact with receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized separation anxiety disorder treatments disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They may also help with the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart ailments. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used when other medications do not work. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. This means that they are usually more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. In addition, these medications can interact with several other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for long periods as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they could increase the risk.

Benzo users who use them for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This condition is uncommon in people who use benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes like alcoholism or depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription for long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have some 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history and create an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.