Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are often the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. It takes time for the medications to be effective however, people typically begin to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for extended durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know how SNRIs or SSRIs work however they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and permit 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 help with bulimia, however it is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually given together with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also used for anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar manner as SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.
In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. However, some patients might feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a lengthy period of use. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing 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 anxiety sufferers experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate panic attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter time. 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 counter medication. Also keep them informed of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body very long, therefore they should be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
People who take benzos for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes like alcoholism or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines as prescribed and on a regular basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to start working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with natural remedies to treat anxiety iampsychiatry.com about which options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.