Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. The medications take a while to work, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and aren't addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. 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 may also be helpful for bulimia, though it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly similar to SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, they are usually more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment for panic attacks and anxiety strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a lengthy period of use. Because of this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. Specifically, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that many people with Anxiety Symptoms Treatment experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs decrease the activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be very beneficial however, it is important to note that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal ideas in certain individuals. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, so you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos taken for long periods of time can result in addiction and physical dependence therefore they should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who use benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.

The long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to begin working 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 disorders anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you identify the underlying causes for your 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 yoga based on trauma. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and create a ketamine treatment for anxiety plan that works for you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating the plan and will make changes to it as they go along.