Everything You Need To Learn About Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. The drugs take time to work, but most people experience improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be used for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and 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 sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals and permit them to bind with 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, however this is not as common.

People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. Because of this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. Particularly, they play a key part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. In this way, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviour. The SNRIs have been proven to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety and help to ease panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they're usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short period of time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medication. Also keep them informed of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They are also a good short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes since they are rapid-acting. They don't last for long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.

People who use benzos over long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors such as alcoholism or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to have the same effect. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety . They alter serotonin which affects mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and can cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in the management of medications.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. They block the actions of certain enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the most effective options for you. Psychologists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When creating the plan, they will consider your lifestyle, diagnosis as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.

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Pub: 27 Apr 2024 00:33 UTC
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