Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally taking a short course of medicine is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells within the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical which plays a vital role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medication to begin working, but people usually start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they can be used for longer durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) and the 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 depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind to 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.
People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart issues. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments don't work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatments and therapy.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy duration of use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a crucial part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety as it activates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.
Although these drugs are extremely beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter duration. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the counter medications. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often referred to are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however others include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually start working within 30 minutes since they are fast-acting. These meds don't stay in the body for very long, which is why they must be consumed regularly to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of those problems.
People who use benzos over an extended period without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder however. Benzo abuse is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same results. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse 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 when abruptly stopped.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors may also prescribe a class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. A therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you identify the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they consider your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. medication to treat anxiety may also make adjustments over time.