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Drugs to Treat Anxiety DisordersPsychiatrists use a number of techniques to treat anxiety disorders. The use of drugs is often part of a tri-pronged approach which includes psychotherapy and exercise.SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are typically prescribed as the first-line antidepressants to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce anxiety by affecting the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Other drugs include tricyclic antidepressants benzodiazepines and beta blockers (propranolol, atenolol). These medications can raise blood pressure so it is essential to keep track of your blood pressure when taking these medications.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, offering immediate relief and assisting to feel more peaceful and at ease. They help by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which can help reduce tension and anxiety. They also function as a sedative that helps you to get a good night’s sleep. GPs can prescribe a range of benzodiazepines including alprazolam, diazepoxide, clonazepam, lorazepam and flurazepoxide.Although benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety symptoms, caution should be taken when making use of these medications. Utilizing them for prolonged durations of time can result in dependence, which is the reason they are generally prescribed for short-term usage. GPs need to be aware of this when prescribing benzodiazepines. They should discuss the risks with their patients.Some people abuse benzodiazepines or by taking them more often or longer than prescribed or by mixing them up with alcohol or other substances. This could be risky, and increase the risk of having side effects. Keep all your medications, including benzodiazepines a safe place. Only you or those who are authorized by you can access them.If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, you might be at a higher risk of developing an addiction to benzodiazepines. It is important to inform your GP whether you’ve had any prior problems with substance abuse to help them assess your risk more carefully and be more vigilant about your treatment.Before prescribing benzodiazepines, GPs should look at other alternatives to combat anxiety. These include relaxation techniques, like meditation, exercise, yoga and tai chi, as well as altering some of your daily routines to reduce stress. They might recommend therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, which can be useful for many people, assisting them identify the root causes of their anxiety, devise strategies for coping and improve their the quality of their life.Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also be effective in treating anxiety. These medications can be used in conjunction with a larger treatment for anxiety, which includes the use of benzodiazepines for temporary relief from anxiety while awaiting the longer-lasting effects of the antidepressants start to show.AntidepressantsThere are a myriad of medicines that can be used to treat anxiety. They work in different ways however they all increase the amount of certain chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based upon your medical history and symptoms.Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are some of the most common medications used to treat anxiety disorders. They are available in most pharmacies. They are typically taken every day. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to get them, but generic versions are generally cheaper than the branded version.SSRIs are generally considered the first-choice pharmaceutical treatment for most anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder/agoraphobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They stop the reabsorption process in the nerve cells that produce or release serotonin. Additionally, they reduce the amount of norepinephrine that is released in response to stressful situations and can improve sleep.Another type of antidepressant can be described as a tricyclic antidepressant. It can be effective for certain individuals, but its adverse effects and drowsiness hinder its use. Monoamine oxidase inhibiters are also effective in treating anxiety. However, their negative effects such as erectile problems and weight increase make them less well-liked.Sometimes, combining therapy and medication is the best approach to reduce anxiety. Psychotherapy is more cost-effective and effective than drugs alone for most sufferers of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify the triggers that cause your anxiety and help you learn to deal with it. CBT can also help you understand how to avoid negative ruminations which can cause anxiety.Some people may require anxiety medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of their symptoms and how well they react to other treatments. Researchers are working to determine the reasons behind these medications to improve anxiety, and what is the most effective duration of treatment. The latest antidepressants, like esketamine (Spravato), are showing promise for some people suffering from severe anxiety.SedativesSedatives are medications that calm the central nervous system and encourage sleep. Doctors prescribe them to treat sleep disorders and anxiety disorders. They increase the activity of the brain of a neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) to slow the neurons’ activity and reduce excitability. This leads to feelings of calmness. Sedatives may also cause drowsiness or decrease muscle spasms. They can also be used to induce anesthesia. Z-drugs and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed sedatives. The most common benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam) and Librium and Valium (chlordiazepoxide and diazepoxide), Ativan, Lorazepam and others. Z-drugs are a type of hypnotic medication that induces sleepiness by binding to receptors in the spinal cord and brain they are known as Z-drugs. These drugs have a calming effect that can last for a few hours up to a whole day.Sedatives can cause dangerous effects when used in conjunction in conjunction with other drugs like alcohol and opioids. They can cause impaired judgment, drowsiness and a loss of coordination. They can also lead to depression and confusion. Additionally, sedatives can be addictive if used for long periods of time and can cause dependence. Dependence is most evident when a person uses high doses of the drug, or if they quit “cold turkey” without slowly reducing their usage.Antidepressants, in addition to sedatives are commonly prescribed to help with anxiety. They work by preventing nerve cells in the mind from absorbing a chemical known as serotonin. Serotonin is a key chemical in regulating mood. Antidepressants are used to treat anxiety. typically take them for 6-12 months before gradually reducing their dosage. Most people don’t develop a tolerance for these medications, and they don’t suffer withdrawal symptoms or develop dependency when they stop taking them.Cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR are two different treatments for anxiety. CBT assists people to identify what triggers anxiety and then teaches them how to manage these situations. The EMDR technique could be a useful treatment for other conditions, as well as PTSD. In this therapy, the patient recalls past life experiences that triggered anxiety and then shifts their gaze back and forth.PsychotherapyAnxiety disorders (GAD, GAD with comorbid depression panic disorder with agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder) affect people of all ages, backgrounds and income levels. These disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders that affect adults. They are treated by medication or psychotherapy. Certain medications can help alleviate certain symptoms, but other medications can cause severe side effects and should only be used as part of a treatment plan that includes therapy.The medications for anxiety disorders are typically prescribed to alleviate symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, and trembling. They can also improve other symptoms that are often associated with anxiety disorders, including fatigue or depression. alternative treatments for anxiety are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and some of them work in those who do not suffer from any depressive disorder.Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) are the best drugs for treating anxiety. These medications boost levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical, in the brain, which can decrease anxiety symptoms. These medications may cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches at first. However these side effects generally diminish as time passes.In addition to SSRIs and SNRIs, a few of other medications have been proven to be effective in treating anxiety. Venlafaxine, Vortioxetine (Bupropion XL), Buspirone, Doxepine and Valproic Acid (VPA) are a few of the medications that have been found to be effective in treating anxiety. However, the majority of these medications haven’t been thoroughly examined in head-tohead trials and have only limited evidence for their efficacy against generalized anxiety disorder.Benzodiazepines are a great alternative to SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety, but they can become habit-forming and cause serious adverse effects. They can also hinder the effectiveness of psychotherapy, and many patients have withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue their benzodiazepine medication too soon. Because of these risks, benzodiazepines should only be used as a last resort in conjunction with other treatments. If symptoms become life-threatening, a physician might recommend taking them.