Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take time to begin working, but most people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they can be taken for long periods 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) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with 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, however it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they are less prone of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medications aren't working. They can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. This is why it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
natural anxiety treatments and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala, a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs reduce the activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.
While these medications can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Because of this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short period of time. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications 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 informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They are useful in some sufferers of anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.
They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they are rapid-acting. The meds don't last in the body for very long, which is why they must be consumed regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time could lead to physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of those issues.
People who use benzos over an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition called 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. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to have the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. 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 if they are abruptly stopped.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in the management of medications.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of certain enzymes that break down chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety but is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you identify the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.