Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Meds To Treat Anxiety?

Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the medications to be effective but most people start to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a long duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing 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 can also be helpful with bulimia, but it is not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually given in combination with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used for anxiety, and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way as SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications work best natural treatment for anxiety in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following long-term use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for mood and stress responses. Specifically, they play an important part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. By doing so, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and, as a result they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety and aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability pills to treat anxiety activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviour. 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 medications are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter period of time. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are medications that act quickly that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not had success with other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you are waiting for an antidepressant to begin working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These drugs don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to reap the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence therefore they should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for people with anxiety disorders or depression because they may increase the risk of these issues.

People who use benzos over an extended period of time without medical supervision, and often without the advice of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos on prescription. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. When you become tolerant to the effects, you require more of the medication to treat anxiety to have the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

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 conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to begin working however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety attack symptoms female treatment and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. A therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when preparing the plan and will make adjustments as needed.