Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best way to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block the brain's nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be used for longer periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with 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 aid in Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, however this is less frequent.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can help in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. how to treat anxiety work best in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients could be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety 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 decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.
While these medications can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they do come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a short period of time. In addition, these medications can interact with several other drugs and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the counter medication. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not responded to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, but other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually start working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of these problems.
Benzo users who use them for an extended time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this disorder however. Benzo abuse is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.
Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same effects. 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 Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive 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 drugs in this class. They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to manage blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is to work 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 aren't medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are the best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into account your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.