Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. The drugs take time to take effect, but the majority of people are better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addicting, therefore 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 are citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact with 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 the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, but it is less frequent.
People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used in situations where other medications don't work. They can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not create dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after long-term use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. Specifically, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. In this way, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and as a result they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate panic attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter duration. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the generic medications. Also keep them informed of any existing conditions like heart issues and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, although others include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. These medications don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos as prescribed. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
The long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same results. how to treat anxiety iampsychiatry.com can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause side effects such as 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 could cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to start working however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to manage blood pressure, but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root cause of anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they consider your lifestyle, diagnosis medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.