Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical which plays a vital role in mood regulation. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can be used for a lengthy duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. 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 bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this 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 those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also used for anxiety, and heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). severe anxiety treatment can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. As a result, they are often more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long time of usage. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they do come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. In addition, these medicines are able to interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines 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 people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can be utilized as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although others include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. These drugs don't last very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to reap the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time can cause physical dependence and addiction therefore they should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of these problems.
People who take benzos for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos on prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long time. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety but is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make adjustments as needed.