How Meds To Treat Anxiety Has Become The Most Sought-After Trend Of 2023
Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally an infrequent course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medications to be effective however, people typically start feeling better after 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. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), 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 function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals, and permit 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, however it is less prevalent.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone of serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety and heart problems. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used in situations where other medications do not work. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however they also boost the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. In turn, they are often more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these work best when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, as it activates the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful, but they can also increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medicines. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying like heart issues and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of those problems.
People who use benzos over an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance, it takes more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is important to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of certain enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. It is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders . They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. When preparing the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.