The Reasons To Work On This Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes a while for the medications to be effective however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be used for longer durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. 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 do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind to 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 with bulimia, however it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. They also have a lower risk of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however, they increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This means that they are typically more effective at treating certain types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective when combined with other treatments and therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. By doing so they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result, they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs decrease activity in this region of the brain, which may positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Because of this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a shorter period of time. They can also interact with other drugs 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 informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding diseases. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
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 insomnia and muscle tension. 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) do not work. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
They typically begin working within 30 minutes since they are fast-acting. These medications don't last very long in the body, so it is essential to take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.
Benzo users who use them for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is rare for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem, however. Benzo abuse is usually a result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means you require more medication in order to achieve the same results. This could result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescription.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and may cause adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special training in the management of medications.
Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. They block the actions of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines like hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk to natural remedies to treat anxiety to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.