3 Ways The Meds To Treat Anxiety Can Affect Your Life
anxiety treatment herbal to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. The medications take a while to begin working, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form a habit and aren't addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long 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), the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and allow them to attach 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, however it is less prevalent.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This means that they are typically more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after long-term use. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. In this way they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs have been shown to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact mood and anxiety and help to ease anxiety attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the counter medicines. Also keep them informed of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often referred to are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for long, which is why they must be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of these problems.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Benzo abuse is usually the result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to begin working but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower high blood pressure but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. They can help you determine the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend ways to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they take into account your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.