Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best way to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce acute anxiety treatment. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin an ingredient that plays a crucial function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take time to work, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can be used for a lengthy duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as 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 certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 aid in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less frequent.

People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in combination with an antidepressant and are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead Medicine To Treat Anxiety And Depression addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however they also boost the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these work best medication to treat anxiety when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be very beneficial, it is important to note that they can have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter time. They can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any medical conditions that you may have, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as 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 been able to respond to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you are waiting for an antidepressant to begin working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although others include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, so you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time could cause physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of these problems.

People who take benzos for long periods of time without medical supervision, and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos how to treat anxiety without meds develop this problem however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes like alcoholism or depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are taken for a long time. If you develop tolerance, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated using the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest ways 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 with your therapist about which options are best herbal treatment for anxiety for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.