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Medications to Treat Anxiety

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Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is essential for regulating mood. The medications take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be used for long periods of time.

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

Doctors don't know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind with 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 for bulimia, though it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in combination with an antidepressant. They have a lower risk of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, especially during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar way similar to SSRIs but also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. In turn, they are usually more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy period of use. It is important to consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play a key part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. They can also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over the prescription medicines. Also, keep them informed of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, such a insomnia and muscle tension. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they have not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are rapid-acting. They don't last for long in the body, which is why it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by those suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they could increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this disorder, however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could 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 achieve the same effect. This could result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

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

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing 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. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to assess your symptoms, medical history and create an anxiety treatment plan that is appropriate for you. When developing the plan, they take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.