anxiety-treatment

Medications to Treat AnxietyTherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, occasionally a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, can also be effective.SSRIsSSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is essential for regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to be effective, but people usually start to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for extended periods of time.Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also 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 know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind with 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.Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who don’t respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.Beta-blockers are also used for anxiety, and heart conditions. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren’t working. They can be addictive and habit-forming.SNRIsSNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but they also enhance the supply of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. In turn, they are often more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don’t cause addiction or dependence in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is important to consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this area of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate panic attacks.These medications are very helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short time. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.BenzodiazepinesBenzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don’t work. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. Benzos include diazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.They usually start working within 30 minutes because they’re rapid-acting. They don’t remain in the body very long, therefore they should be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of these issues.People who take benzos for an extended period of time, usually without medical supervision, could develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is rare for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this condition, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is essential to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription and on a regular basis.Other MedicinesSSRIs and SNRIs will be the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also 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 stopped.Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. 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 specific class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working however they aren’t as quick-acting as SSRIs.Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Iam Psychiatry , such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.Anxiety is usually 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 help you identify the root cause of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that don’t require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.