Question: How Much Do You Know About Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to begin working however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for long periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do know that they boost the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind with 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 less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are often more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause addiction or dependence in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy duration of use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety as it stimulates the Amygdala. Iam Psychiatry is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.
While these medications can be very beneficial, it is important to note that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short time. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medicines. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, such a tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, although other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of developing those issues.
People who take benzos for an extended period without medical supervision, and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos on prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may also prescribe a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to begin working however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they will take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.