Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be necessary. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to begin working, but most people feel better within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a long time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and 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 the function of SNRIs and SSRIs but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.

People suffering from anxiety treatment without meds who are not responding to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant. they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. It is important to consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. Specifically, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and, as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety chest pain treatment and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviors. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs decrease activity in this region of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short time. They can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful particularly if they have not had success with other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the full benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could result in physical dependence and addiction, so they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk of those problems.

People who take benzos for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem however. Benzo abuse is usually the result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.

The long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. As you get used to them, it takes more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This could cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep anxiety treatment. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and can cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other 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 they are abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination 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 specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. They block the actions of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety treatment types and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.