Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of ketamine treatment for anxiety doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is important for mood regulation. It takes some time for the medication to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addicting, therefore they can be used for a long duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.

People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they are less prone of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar way to SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. This means that they are typically more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a consequence they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful, but they can also increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the counter medication. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs to treat depression and anxiety that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial, especially if they have not responded to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can be employed as a temporary remedy while you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They typically begin working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're quick-acting. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time could lead to physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.

Benzo users who use them for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who use benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long period of time. As you get used to them to the effects, you require more of the medication to have the same effect. In certain cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed for long-term basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may have side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence but they may trigger 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 can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of certain enzymes that break down chemicals, 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.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best treatment for anxiety and depression for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.