Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin are also effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes a while for the medication to take effect however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be used for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs but they do know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent 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 can also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic 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 likely for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and 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 an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner similar to SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. This means that they are often more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold 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. This is a very deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however, they may increase suicidal thinking in some people. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short time. In addition, these medications may interact with other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medications. Also, keep them informed of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. These meds to treat anxiety and depression don't stay in the body for long, so they must be regularly taken to reap the full benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.

People who use benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder however. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same effects. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription for long-term basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to show results, up to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety treatment center, but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

The treatment for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. A therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can help you determine the root cause of anxiety gerd and anxiety panic attacks treatment recommend ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety best treatment for social anxiety disorder that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create a best treatment for generalized anxiety disorder plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When developing the plan, they take into account your lifestyle, diagnosis as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.