Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a crucial function in the regulation of mood. It takes a while for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addictive, so they can be used for a long duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), 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 aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they know that they increase the 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 can also be helpful with bulimia, but it is less prevalent.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant and are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. anxiety disorder treatments at home can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. They can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, they are often more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following long-term use. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease panic attacks.
Although these drugs are extremely beneficial, it is important to remember that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be beneficial for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They're also helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they're quick-acting. These medications don't last long in the body, therefore you should take them on a regular basis to reap the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.
People who use benzos over an extended period of time, without 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 is a rare issue for people who use benzos on prescription. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They may take a long time to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause certain side effects, such as insomnia or nausea. 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 cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to control high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. 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 how to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. When developing the plan, they will consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.