Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. The drugs take time to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within four to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addictive, so they can continue to be used for a lengthy period of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work however they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind to their receptors.
SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They may also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less common.
People with 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 often given in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less likely of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. treat generalized anxiety disorder iampsychiatry.com can be helpful in reducing anxiety, especially before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for most people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication after long-term use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a significant role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent 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 anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.
While these medications can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to note that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter duration. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medications. Also be sure to inform them of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body very long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to get the full benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they may increase the risk.
People who take benzos for an extended time, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to have the same effect. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemical down, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to start working however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.
Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is working with someone who is specialized 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 necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.