Meagan Whited

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks for anti Anxiety holistic treatment, sometimes a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications 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 can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of treatment doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take time to take effect, but the majority of people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and are not addictive, which is why they can be used for a lengthy period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing 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 help with bulimia, but it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety and heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. In turn, they are typically more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best treatment for generalized anxiety disorder when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after long-term use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which can positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

While these medications can be extremely beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that they do come with a risk of increasing suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. Additionally, these drugs may interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they've not had success with other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however others include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin working within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Using benzos for long periods of time can cause addiction and physical dependence and should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this problem, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are taken for a long 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 crucial to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and may have negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic 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) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). They block the actions of certain enzymes that break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to 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 may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety depression treatment that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment for anxiety plan that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.