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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication may be required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is important for mood regulation. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people experience improvement within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for long durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind with 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 be helpful for bulimia, though it is less common.

People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used when other medications don't work. They can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when combined with other treatments and therapy.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not create dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following long-term use. Because of this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety because it activates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Because of this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter duration. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and other substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial, especially if they have not responded to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. These drugs don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those issues.

Benzo users who use them for an extended time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to produce the same effect. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long period of time, it is essential to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and can cause certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as 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) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower high blood pressure but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is working with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists have the training to assess your symptoms, medical history, and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will take into account your lifestyle, diagnosis medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.