Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.
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 the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. It takes some time for the medications to begin working however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they can be used for extended periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to attach to their receptors.
SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They may also help with the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, however this is less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications don't work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication after an extended period of usage. Due to this, it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. Specifically, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively affect mood and anxiety as well as ease anxiety attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter duration. They may also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they've not responded to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually start working within 30 minutes because they are quick-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos taken for long periods of time could cause addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.
People who use benzos over an extended period of time without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. treatments for anxiety disorders is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition, however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription for long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They may take a long time to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be 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 stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another drug that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. 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 anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.