Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes time for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for extended periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop 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 be helpful with bulimia, however 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 medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for some chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when they are used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy duration of use. Due to this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. This way, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a consequence, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even help with panic attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial however, it is important to remember that they have the potential of causing increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short period. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they have not responded to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for very long, so they must be consumed regularly to reap the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.
People who take benzos for long periods of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this disorder, however. anxiety attack treatment is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop if they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative 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 combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating this plan, and will make changes to it as they go along.