anxiety-treatment

Medications to Treat AnxietyWhile therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to treat anxiety.SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine are also effective.SSRIsSSRIs are often the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to begin working however, people typically start to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for extended periods of time.Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) and 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. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.Doctors aren’t certain of the exact way SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, however it is less common.People suffering from anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used when other medications do not work. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may be addictive.SNRIsSNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are often more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. social anxiety disorder treatment are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They help keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it activates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.While these medications can be extremely beneficial, it is important to note that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Due to this, they are typically prescribed at higher doses and for a short duration. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.BenzodiazepinesBenzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.They typically begin working within 30 minutes due to the fact that they’re rapid-acting. The meds don’t last in the body for very long, which is why they must be taken on a regular basis to get the full benefits. Benzos shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods of time as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for people with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.Benzo users who use them for an extended time, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to have the same effect. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you’re taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.Other MedicinesSSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin, which influences mood appetite, sleep, and mood. It can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may have side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like 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), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all drugs in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in medication management.Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemical down, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to work however they aren’t as quick-acting as SSRIs.Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also utilized to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for some patients.Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don’t require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is appropriate for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make changes to it as they go along.