Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when an infrequent course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the medication to be effective, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for long periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the 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 anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, called 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, however it is not as common.
People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually given in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for some chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. In this way, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.
anxiety treatments medication are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. In addition, these medications can interact with several other drugs and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medications. Also keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be utilized as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes since they're fast-acting. These medications don't last very long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.
People who use benzos over long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for those who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.
The long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. If you develop tolerance, it takes more and more of the medication to have the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which influences the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Talk to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.