Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety panic attack natural Treatment. SNRIs, that target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to be effective however, people typically start to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for extended durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and permit them to attach to their 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 less common.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar manner as SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

Contrary to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients could be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy period of use. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs reduce the activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant begin working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but others include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes since they're fast-acting. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be consumed regularly to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk of those issues.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos as prescribed. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and can cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. 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. Some patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms, and develop an anxiety treatment for anxiety symptoms plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.