Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells within the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medication to take effect however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don’t develop into a habit and are not addictive, so they can continue to be used for a long duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), 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, an antidepressant that is novel, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don’t know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow 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 for bulimia, though it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who don’t respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they are less prone of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used in situations where other medications aren’t working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don’t cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. This is why it is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a consequence, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines or benzos, as they’re commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments for anxiety disorders, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren’t working. They can be employed as a temporary remedy while you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they’re fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These meds to treat anxiety (www.stes.tyc.edu.tw) don’t stay in the body very long, which is why they must be consumed regularly to get the full benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
People who use benzos over long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos according to prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you’re taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may have side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don’t create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working but they’re not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control high blood pressure but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Some patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
The treatment for anxiety is usually the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.
