Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best way to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is important for mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to begin working however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and aren't addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure the function of SNRIs and SSRIs however they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind to 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, but it is not as common.
People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way as SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. This means that they are often more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. This is why it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. Specifically, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported 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 can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial, especially if they have not responded to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're quick-acting. These drugs don't last very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can result in physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.
People who take benzos for an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They may take a long time to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. It is used to control high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. generalized anxiety disorder treatment are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.