Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. The drugs take time to begin working, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a lengthy period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety treatment non medication disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and permit them to bind 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 prevalent.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant and are less likely natural ways to treat depression and anxiety cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anti anxiety holistic treatment and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be used in situations where other medications don't work. They can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. This means that they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when used in conjunction with other treatment for panic and anxiety attacks strategies and talk therapy.

Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing a medication after long-term use. Due to this, it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important 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. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.

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

While these medications can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to note that they can have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however other options include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, so you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended by people with anxiety or depression disorders since they could increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are taken for a long period of time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This may result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They may take a long time to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. 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 most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When developing the plan, they take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.