Ten Taboos About Meds To Treat Anxiety You Shouldn't Share On Twitter
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best way to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is important for mood regulation. It takes some time for the medications to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be used for extended periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) and the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these substances to interact with 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 nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used in situations where other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly similar to SSRIs however they also boost the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when they are used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients could feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long duration of use. Due to this, it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. Specifically, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, as it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which can positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.
While these medications are extremely beneficial but it is important to remember that they carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are medications that act quickly that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are quick-acting. They don't remain in the body for very long, therefore they should be regularly taken to reap the full benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could cause addiction and physical dependence and should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be used by people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they may increase the risk.
People who use benzos for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, could develop a condition known as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other factors such as alcoholism or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They may take a long time to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. IamPsychiatry are also used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of certain enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine, which 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. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective method is working with someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make changes to it as they go along.