Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical which plays a vital function in the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medications to be effective however, people typically begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for longer durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function 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 permit 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 can also aid in Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but this is less common.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. 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 they are less likely for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart issues. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.
Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence in the majority of people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long duration of use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood reactions. Specifically, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a consequence they have the potential to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs decrease activity in this region of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease anxiety attacks.
Although these drugs can be very beneficial but it is important to remember that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short duration. In addition, these medications can interact with several other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make 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 report adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as muscle tension and insomnia. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you are waiting for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of those problems.
Benzo users who take them for long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem, however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to get the same effects. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter 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 side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
treatment for anxiety attacks (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often 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 may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga based on trauma. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.