Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people are better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for longer periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to attach 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications don't work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short period. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and other substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the counter medicines. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, such a muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, however other options include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're quick-acting. They don't last for long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk of these issues.
People who use benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder. treatments for anxiety disorders I Am Psychiatry can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This problem is rare in people who take benzos according to prescription. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long term can also cause tolerance to their sedating effects. If you develop tolerance, it takes more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to control blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies for managing it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. When developing the plan, they will consider your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.