Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin an ingredient which plays a vital role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to begin working but most people begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and are not addictive, which is why they can continue to be taken for a long duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and 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 in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing 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 can also aid in the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, however this is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when combined with other treatment strategies and therapy.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after an extended period of usage. This is why it is crucial to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease anxiety attacks.
While these medications can be very beneficial however, it is important to remember that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for very long, therefore they should be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence, so they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.
People who use benzos for long periods of time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors such as alcoholism or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you require more medication to get the same results. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and can cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety , however, it can also be utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies 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. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, diagnosis as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.