Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best
treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a substance that is important for mood regulation. It takes some time for the medications to take effect, but people usually start to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for longer periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and
anxiety treatment for cats. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an 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 don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work, but they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals, and permit 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 can also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long time of usage. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs have been shown to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood and help to ease anxiety attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medications. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments,
treatment for anxiety such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.
Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. These drugs don't last very long in the body, so it is essential to take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of developing those issues.
People who use benzos over an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for those who take benzos according to prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
The long-term may also lead to tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to get the same effects. This may result in respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs.