Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
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 typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. natural remedies to treat anxiety stop nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. It takes a while for the medication to take effect however, people typically begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they are safe to use for extended periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind to 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 frequent.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are often more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. By doing so they hold these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it activates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. These medications can also interact with other drugs and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the counter medications. Also, keep them informed of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they've not had success with other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
They usually start working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they are fast-acting. These drugs don't last very long in the body, therefore you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time could lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.
People who use benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long period of time. As you get used to them, it takes more and more of the medication to have the same effect. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescription.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians who have specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to control high blood pressure but is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies for managing it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.