Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally taking a short course of medicine is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs to treat anxiety that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medication to begin working however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a lengthy duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure the function of SNRIs and SSRIs however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit 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 can also aid in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way similar to SSRIs but also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best treatment for generalized anxiety when they are used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence in the majority of people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long time of usage. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so they hold these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala, which is a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short period of time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medications. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. These Meds To treat anxiety don't stay in the body for long, so they must be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of those problems.

People who take benzos for an extended time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same results. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They may take a long time to show results, up to 12 weeks, and may cause 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training 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 which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to treat anxiety attacks to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they take into account your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.