Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication may be necessary. The medications used to treat anxiety treatment without medicine include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at 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 nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is important for mood regulation. It takes a while for the medication to begin working however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use 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) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure the function of SNRIs and SSRIs however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind to receptors.

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

People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also enhance the supply of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence in most people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long time of usage. Due to this, it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood and stress responses. Particularly, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They typically begin working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're rapid-acting. They don't last for long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by those suffering from depression or anxiety treatment natural disorders as they may increase the risk.

People who use benzos for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos according to prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This could cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They may take a long time to show results, up to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of certain enzymes that break down chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.