Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. The drugs take time to work, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and are not addictive, so they can continue to be used for a lengthy period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind to their 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 it is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may 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 people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less likely for serious side effects when 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 problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, especially during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications don't work. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are often more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other herbal treatment for anxiety strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients might be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a long period of use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. Specifically, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These medications are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other alternative treatments for anxiety, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, however other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they are quick-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos shouldn't be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period, 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. This condition is uncommon in people who use benzos on prescription. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.

The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you require more medication to get the same results. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will usually prescribe for Anxiety Panic Attack Natural Treatment. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in conjunction 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 called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to begin working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. When developing the plan, they consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.