Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
treatment for generalized anxiety are often the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a substance that is essential for regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to be effective however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can continue to be used for a lengthy duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). 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 how SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind with 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 for bulimia, though it is less common.
People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given together with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs however, they increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. In this way they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs can reduce activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.
These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short time. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are medications that act quickly that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some sufferers of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for long, therefore they should be consumed regularly to get the full benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged durations of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction, so they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos should not be taken by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.
People who take benzos for an extended period 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 uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem, however. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means you require more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This could result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and have some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.
Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to take effect but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root cause of anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. 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 which options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.