Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best natural treatment for anxiety method to manage anxiety, however sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells within the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the medication to begin working, but people usually start feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be used for extended durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and the escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and 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 performance anxiety treatment disorders.

Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do know that they boost the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind to their receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized separation anxiety disorder treatments disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also be helpful with bulimia, however it is less prevalent.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. 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, and they are less prone of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medicines aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. Because of this, it is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like 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, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although others include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. These Meds To Treat Anxiety don't stay in the body for long, therefore they should be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of these issues.

People who use benzos over an extended period without medical supervision, and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder, however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to have the same effect. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used on their own 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 or MAOIs. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you determine the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if required. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to analyze your medical history, symptoms and create an anxiety treatment plan that is right for you. When creating the plan, they will consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.