Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within four to six weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a long duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know how treat anxiety and depression SSRIs or SNRIs function however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind to 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 not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly as SSRIs however they also boost the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. This means that they are usually more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other best treatment for anxiety and depression strategies and talk therapy.

In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy duration of use. Due to this, it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

While these medications can be very beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due best drug to treat anxiety and Depression this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter duration. They may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medications. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions like heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant begin working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes since they are rapid-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of those problems.

People who take benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means that you require more medication in order to achieve the same results. In some cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and may cause adverse 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 if abruptly stopped.

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

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control high blood pressure but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication to treat anxiety and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve best medication to treat anxiety include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about what options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make changes to it as they go along.