Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. It takes time for the medications to take effect but most people begin to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for extended durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work, but they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow 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 be helpful for bulimia, though it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce 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 certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.
In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after an extended period of usage. Because of this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in some individuals. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medications. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. 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 medications that act quickly that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. Benzos include diazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. pediatric anxiety treatment don't last for long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time could lead to physical dependence and addiction, so they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the advice of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder, however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.
The long-term can cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In some cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. It is important to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to manage blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.
Anxiety is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. A therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about what options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they consider your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.