The Meds To Treat Anxiety Mistake That Every Newbie Makes
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety , there are times when an infrequent course of medication is required. The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance the communication between nerve cells in the brain and can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are often the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key role in regulating mood. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people experience improvement within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can continue to be used for a long 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 like imipramine (Tofranil) and 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 SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, however it is not as common.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety before or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be used when other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can lead to addiction.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly similar to SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. This means that they are typically more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence in most people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy period of use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala, which is a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.
Although these drugs can be very beneficial but it is important to note that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other medications and other substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medications. Also, keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are quick-acting medications that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin working within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for long, so they must be consumed regularly to get the full 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 as they could increase the risk of those problems.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time without medical supervision, and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes like alcoholism or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may 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 with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. The most effective method is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and develop a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into account your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.