15 Things You Don't Know About Meds To Treat Anxiety Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key role in mood regulation. The drugs take time to begin working, but most people are better after four to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they are safe to use for longer periods of time.

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

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also assist in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for certain chronic pain issues. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can lead to addiction.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs however they also boost the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more efficient in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't create dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients might experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long time of usage. Because of this, it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. In this way they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.


Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety, and even help with panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher dosages and for a shorter time. They can also interact with other drugs and substances. You should inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines commonly referred to as -- are medications that act quickly that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as muscle tension and insomnia. They can be helpful for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can also be used as a temporary solution while you wait for your antidepressant medication kick in. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, although other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are fast-acting. These drugs don't last very long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can result in addiction and physical dependence and should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they may increase the risk.

Benzo users who use them for long periods of time, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos as prescribed. Benzo addiction usually arises from other factors, such as alcoholism and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to start working and may have negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.

Iam Psychiatry may prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to control anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective method is working with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about what options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual medical history and preferences when preparing this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.