Why You'll Need To Learn More About Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is required. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. It takes time for the medications to begin working however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be used for long durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs but they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals and permit 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, however it is less common.
People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medication aren't working. They can be addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs however they also boost the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients might be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a lengthy time of usage. Due to this, it is crucial to talk with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it activates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even help with panic attacks.
Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to remember that they have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short period. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and other substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can also be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, however others include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They typically begin working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they are fast-acting. These meds don't stay in the body very long, so they must be consumed regularly to reap the full benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can result in addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression as they could increase the risk of these problems.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos according to prescription. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.
Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same results. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
drugs to treat anxiety in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is usually treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you identify the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suited to you. When creating the plan, they consider your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.