Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes some time for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be used for long periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and 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 chemicals and allow these substances to bind with 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 be helpful for bulimia, though it is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They have a lower risk of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. click through the next article can also assist in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. It is important to consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.
While these medications can be very beneficial, it is important to note that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter duration. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other drugs and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medications. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions like heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
They usually start working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. These meds don't stay in the body for very long, so they must be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged durations of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.
Benzo users who use them for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo addiction usually arises from other factors like alcoholism or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same effects. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety and suggest 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 Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. When preparing the plan, they will consider your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.