Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best way to reduce anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. The drugs take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know how SNRIs or SSRIs work however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing 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 help with Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, however this is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually 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 used to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications don't work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way similar to SSRIs however they also boost the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients could feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a lengthy period of use. This is why it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they can carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter duration. These medications can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy while you wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for long, therefore they should be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Benzos taken for long durations of time can result in addiction and physical dependence therefore they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk of developing those problems.
People who take benzos for an extended duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This problem is rare in people who take benzos on prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are taken for a long time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and have some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions 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.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to start working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety however, it can also be utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. herbal treatment for anxiety iampsychiatry.com , such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments as needed.