Why Do So Many People Would Like To Learn More About Meds To Treat Anxiety?
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient which plays a vital role in regulating mood. The drugs take time to begin working, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a long period of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 for bulimia, though it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given together with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.
anxiety treatment meds -blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be used in situations where other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. This means that they are usually more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatments and therapy.
Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients could feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long period of use. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety feel. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter duration. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and other substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the generic medicines. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you are waiting for an antidepressant to start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for very long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
Benzo users who use them for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, may develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other factors like alcoholism or depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are taken for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma and death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They impact serotonin, which influences mood as well as appetite and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and can cause side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to 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 manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is working with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety 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 option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.