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Medications to Treat Anxiety

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

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin an ingredient that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The medications take a while to begin working, but most people experience improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addictive, which is why they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do know that they increase the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind to 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 help with bulimia, however it is less common.

People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.





Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be utilized when other treatments aren't working. They can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when they are combined with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer, and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, which is a deep and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

Although these drugs can be extremely beneficial however, it is important to note that they can carry a risk of increased suicidal ideas in certain individuals. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a brief period. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and other substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam flurazepam, temazepam, and.

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body very long, therefore they should be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for long periods as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders because they may increase the risk of those problems.

People who use benzos for an extended duration, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this condition, however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

I Am Psychiatry to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long period of time. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to follow the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take a while to show results, up 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a single drug or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. It is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to reduce symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. When creating the plan, they will take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle medical background, lifestyle, and preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.