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Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people experience improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with their 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 nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they are less likely of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used in situations where other medications don't work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients might feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long duration of use. Because of this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety 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 associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

While these medications can be 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 at higher doses and for a short period of time. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines





Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called -- are medications that act quickly that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, so you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for long periods of time without 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. This condition is uncommon in those who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo addiction usually arises from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.

The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same effects. In some cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and may have adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can 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 known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. click this link inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root cause of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Talk to your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.