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Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is necessary. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a substance that is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes some time for the medication to begin working, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they are safe to use for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) and the escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work however they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit 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 be helpful with bulimia, however it is less prevalent.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to treat anxiety and are often 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 help in reducing anxiety, specifically before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used in situations where other medications do not work. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for most people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication after an extended period of usage. Because of this, it What Is The Treatment For Anxiety Disorder crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters meds that treat anxiety and depression are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even reduce panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, such a muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some sufferers of anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They are also a good short-term solution, such as while you are waiting for an antidepressant to begin working. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're rapid-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to reap the benefits. Benzos taken for long durations of time can cause physical dependence and addiction, so they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who use benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long time. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. 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 recommend strategies for managing 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 about how to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suited to you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.