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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes a while for the medication to begin working but most people begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be used for a long period 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) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs work however, they do know that they boost activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these substances to bind 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, but it is not as common.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond 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 usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart issues. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however they also boost the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, they are usually more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.





In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long period of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of anxiety sufferers experience. SNRIs stop 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, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs can reduce activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often called are drugs that act quickly and reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be utilized as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but others include clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically start to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of those problems.

People who use benzos for an extended time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos on prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same results. In some instances, this can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage for long-term basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin, which influences mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may cause side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

The medications in this class are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block the action of certain enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks to begin working, but they are not as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug 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 by side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients may also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Talk with your therapist about what options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will take into consideration your particular diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.