Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are often the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a substance that is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes some time for the medications to be effective however, people typically start to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addictive, so they can be used 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), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. IamPsychiatry can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are often more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Unlike other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even help with panic attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter period of time. In addition, these medicines are able to interact with other medications 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 up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, such a tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder may find them useful, especially if they have not responded to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, but other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for very long, so they must be consumed regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression because they may increase the risk of developing those problems.
Benzo users who use them for a long period of period of time, usually without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos on prescription. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same effects. This may cause respiratory depression, or even 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 will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and can cause adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety, but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is working with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. 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 how to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments as needed.