Why Do So Many People Want To Know About Meds To Treat Anxiety?
Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the best way to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication may be necessary. The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, which is a chemical which plays a vital role in regulating mood. It takes some time for the medication to begin working, but people usually begin feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be used for extended durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. treatment of anxiety stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind with 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 nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety, and heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medicines aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to treat 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, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.
Contrary to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication after an extended period of usage. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.
These medications are very helpful, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. These medications may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any medical conditions that you may have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial, especially if they have not had success with other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be employed as a temporary remedy while you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. These drugs don't last long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of developing those issues.
People who take benzos for an extended period of time, 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 not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition however. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.
Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. As you get used to them, it takes more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes result in respiratory depression or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which influences mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but it is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also notice 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 consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and trauma-informed yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make adjustments as needed.