Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. The medications take a while to begin working, but most people are better after four to six weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addictive, so they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.

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

Doctors aren't sure exactly how 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 reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to attach to their receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety treatment effectiveness disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also help with Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but this is less common.

People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given in conjunction with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments don't work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. As a result, they are usually more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. This is why it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.

While these medications can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to note that they carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medications. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they've not responded to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. These Meds To Treat Anxiety don't stay in the body very long, therefore they should be consumed regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of those problems.

People who use benzos over an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition, however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop if they are taken for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes result in respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed and on a regular basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to show results, up to 12 weeks, and have certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can anxiety go away without treatment be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in the management of medications.

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

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is working with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety 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. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history, symptoms and formulate an anxiety natural treatment for anxiety attacks plan that is right for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.