Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is necessary. The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin an ingredient that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to be effective but most people start to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be used for long durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like 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 how SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind to 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 aid in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective when combined with other treatments and talk therapy.
In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after a prolonged period of use. Due to this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which may positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease panic attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial however, it is important to keep in mind that they have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the counter medications. Also, keep them informed of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be utilized as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're rapid-acting. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time can result in addiction and physical dependence therefore they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those issues.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this disorder, however. Benzo abuse is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to have the same effect. This could result in respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't create physical dependence, but they may trigger 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 on their own or in combination with therapy. anxiety treatment natural can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is another drug that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to analyze your symptoms, medical history and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.