The Secret Life Of Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take time to work, but most people are better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be used for extended durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors do not know how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 for bulimia, though it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety treatment symptoms and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can help in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly as SSRIs but also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when they are used in conjunction with talking therapy and other alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short period of time. Additionally, these drugs may 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 medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, such a tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial, especially if they have not responded to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Benzos include diazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes since they are fast-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time could result in physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This problem is rare in those who take benzos on prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They may take a long time to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective anxiety treatment effective way to treat anxiety. 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 treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms, and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is right for you. When preparing the plan, they take into account your lifestyle, diagnosis medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.