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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication may be required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin a chemical which plays a vital role in regulating mood. It takes a while for the medication to begin working but most people start to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be taken for long periods of time.

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

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and permit them to attach 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is not as common.

People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat separation anxiety treatment and heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications work best herbal treatment for anxiety when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not create dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. This way, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence they have the potential to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety and help to ease panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medications. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly 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 to begin to work. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are fast-acting. The meds don't last in the body for long, which is why they must be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos according to prescription. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes like alcoholism or depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long period of time. As you get used to them, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may have adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to start working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of anxiety and suggest ways to treat anxiety without medication to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. When creating the plan, they consider your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.