Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. The drugs take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for long durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), 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 aren't sure how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals 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 help with the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, but this is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with 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 often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, especially before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used when other medications don't work. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long period of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a crucial part in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain longer and as a consequence they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.
Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short period. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the generic medications. Also keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful particularly if they've not had success with other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant begin working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, although other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos taken for long periods of time could cause addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for people with anxiety disorders or depression because they may increase the risk of these issues.
People who use benzos for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, may develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long period of time. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In certain cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a particular 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, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Iampsychiatry might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
The treatment for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication if required. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about what options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. When developing the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.