Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of self treatment For anxiety (olderworkers.com.au) doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The medications take a while to work, but most people are better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a lengthy duration.

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

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work however they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact 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 Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but it is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also 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 be helpful in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating anxiety without medication specific anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial but it is important to remember that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they have not had success with other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who use benzos according to prescription. Benzo abuse is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol abuse and depression.

The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication in order to achieve the same results. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines as prescribed for long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may have negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause 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 taken as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to control high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.

The treatment anxiety for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you determine the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.