anxiety-treatment

Medications to Treat AnxietyTherapy is the best method to manage anxiety, however sometimes a short-term course of medication may be required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be utilized to treat anxiety.SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.SSRIsSSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes a while for the medications to begin working, but people usually begin to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don’t develop into a habit and aren’t addictive, so they can continue to be used for a lengthy duration.Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.Doctors don’t know how SNRIs or SSRIs work however they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing 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 can also aid in the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for anxiety, and heart conditions. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, especially during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be used when other medications do not work. They can be addictive and habit-forming.SNRIsSNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar manner similar to SSRIs but they also increase the availability norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren’t able to cause dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following long-term use. Because of this, it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. By doing so they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer, and as a consequence they are able to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels or assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and reduce panic attacks.These medicines are extremely helpful, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short period of time. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any medical conditions that you may have particularly heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.BenzodiazepinesBenzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be beneficial for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren’t working. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you are waiting for an antidepressant to start working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but others include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).Because they’re fast-acting, they typically start to work within 30 minutes. These drugs don’t last long in the body, therefore you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos shouldn’t be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by those suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.People who use benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who are prescribed benzos to develop this disorder, however. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to have the same effect. In certain cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you’re taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.Other Medical TreatmentsSSRIs and SNRIs are the first drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take a while to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and have some adverse effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients may also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.Anxiety is usually treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can assist you in working through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to analyze your medical history, symptoms, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is right for you. Iampsychiatry will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating this plan, and will make changes to it as they go along.