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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally taking a short course of medicine is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take time to work, but most people experience improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, so they can be taken for longer durations 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 sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors do not know how to treat anxiety SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing 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 be helpful for bulimia, though it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to people with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant. they are less likely for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart problems. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other self treatment for anxiety strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following long-term use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, as it activates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however, they may increase suicidal thinking in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter period of time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety nausea treatment and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes since they're quick-acting. These meds don't stay in the body for long, therefore they should be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of these problems.

People who take benzos for long periods of time without medical supervision, and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos on prescription. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors like alcoholism or depression.

The long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same results. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments as needed.