Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when an infrequent course of medication
what is the best anxiety treatment required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to begin working, but people usually begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for extended periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is sometimes 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 prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact with receptors.
SSRIs are used to treat
generalized anxiety disorder treatment 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 it is not as common.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart issues. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing performance anxiety treatment (
peatix.com), specifically during or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used in situations where other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. In turn, they are often more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication after long-term use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it activates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.
While these medications can be very beneficial, it is important to remember that they can carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter period of time. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several 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 medical conditions that may be underlying, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they have not responded to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are quick-acting. These drugs don't last long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.
People who take benzos for an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder however. Benzo abuse is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication in order to achieve the same results. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental
health anxiety treatment 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.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and trauma-informed yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.
