Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for longer durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, called neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow 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 can also be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner to SSRIs but also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatments and therapy.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. anxiety treatment in dogs is why it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so they hold these chemicals in the brain longer and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety and help to ease anxiety attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short duration. They may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medication. Also, keep them informed of any existing conditions like heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with 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 are also a good short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. They don't last for long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to reap the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of these issues.
People who use benzos over an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this condition however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication in order to achieve the same results. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They may be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is working with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.