A Look Inside The Secrets Of Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes a while for the medication to take effect however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addictive, which is why 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. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors do not know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind to 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 help with the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who do not 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 together with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications don't work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner to SSRIs however they also boost the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Unlike  how to treat anxiety  or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety as it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial however, it is important to remember that they have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other drugs and other substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

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

They usually start working within 30 minutes since they are fast-acting. The meds don't last in the body for long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the full benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time can result in addiction and physical dependence, so they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.

People who take benzos for long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop if they are taken for a long time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can take a while to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special 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 work however they aren't as quick-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 due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your medical history, symptoms and formulate 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 will make adjustments to it over time.