Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can be taken for a long time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing 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 can also be helpful for bulimia, though it is less prevalent.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments don't work. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence in most people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety as it activates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. natural ways to treat anxiety can boost mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. They can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any medical conditions that you may have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, however others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They typically begin working within 30 minutes since they're fast-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they can increase the risk.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of duration, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who are prescribed benzos to develop this condition, however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors like alcoholism or depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long period of time. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same results. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescription.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control blood pressure, but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history, and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is right for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.