A Look Into The Secrets Of Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective method to manage anxiety, however sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical which plays a vital function in the regulation of mood. It takes a while for the medication to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a lengthy duration.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals and permit 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 help with bulimia, however it is not as common.
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 medications reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less likely of serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed for anxiety, and heart problems. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used in situations where other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however they also boost the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are combined with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following long-term use. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a crucial part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease anxiety attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a short time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medication. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder, especially if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They're also helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.
They typically begin working within 30 minutes since they are rapid-acting. These drugs don't last very long in the body, therefore you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Using benzos for long periods of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
People who take benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged duration, it is crucial to adhere to the prescription.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
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 psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Some patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is working with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed yoga. Talk to treatment for depression and anxiety about what options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When creating the plan, they will take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.