Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take time to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, so they are safe to use for long periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and the 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 exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to attach 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. 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. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. generalized anxiety disorder treatment , like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications do not work. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients might feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. Because of this, it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviors. The SNRIs have been proven to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease anxiety attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are often only 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 medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos 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 can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, but others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They typically begin working within 30 minutes since they are quick-acting. They don't remain in the body for long, which is why they must be consumed regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of those problems.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who use benzos on prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. This could result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians with special training in the management of medications.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower blood pressure, but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When creating the plan, they will take into account your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.