Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin an ingredient which plays a vital role in mood regulation. It takes some time for the medications to begin working but most people begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can be taken for a long time.

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

Doctors aren't sure the function of SNRIs and SSRIs but they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to interact with 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 nervosa and binge-eating disorder, however this is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can 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. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This means that they are usually more effective in treating certain types of anxiety treatment types disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. They can also interact with 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 informed of any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients report 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 help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They are also a good short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to get the benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can result in physical dependence and addiction, so they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression disorders since they can increase the risk.

People who use benzos for an extended duration, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is rare for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition however. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same results. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat generalized anxiety treatment. 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 can cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment 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 specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side 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 in certain patients.

anxiety treatment therapy is usually treated using the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you identify the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend strategies to manage 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 to your therapist about what is best treatment for anxiety options are best treatment for social anxiety for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When creating the plan, they take into consideration your lifestyle, diagnosis medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.