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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best way to treat anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be utilized to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is important for mood regulation. The drugs take a while to work, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, Escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and the doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.





Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind to 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 not as common.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given in combination with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly during or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medicines aren't working. They can be habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are typically more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications work best in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.

In anxiety treatment resources to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a lengthy duration of use. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for mood and stress responses. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. In this way, they keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. This is why they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and other substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs including dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, such a tension in the muscles and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin working within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, therefore you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.

Benzo users who take them for an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same effects. In certain cases, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors will usually prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause negative effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated using the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can help you determine the underlying causes for anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk to your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual medical background and preferences when creating this plan and make adjustments to it over time.