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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people are better after four to six weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be taken for a long time.

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 the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work however, they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to interact 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 less prevalent.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety nausea treatment in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. In turn, they are often more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. Because of this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key role in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be very beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts for some people. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not responded to other treatments for anxiety, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but others include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually start working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they are quick-acting. These drugs don't last long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to reap the benefits. Benzos taken for long durations of time can cause physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of developing those issues.

People who use benzos over long periods of time without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos on 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. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In some instances, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat situational anxiety treatment. They affect serotonin which affects mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also 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 stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors 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 which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and formulate an anxiety treatment plan that is right for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, diagnosis medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.