Meds To Treat Anxiety: The Secret Life Of Meds To Treat Anxiety Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best way to treat 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), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addictive, which is why they can 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 are citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with their 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed together with an antidepressant. they are less prone for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.

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

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are typically more effective at treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatments and therapy.

Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that many anxiety sufferers experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence, they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it activates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial, but they can also cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. In addition, these medications can interact with several other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over-the prescription medicines. Also keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. They can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication begin to work. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but others include clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they're fast-acting. They don't remain in the body for long, so they must be consumed regularly to get the full benefits. Benzos taken for long durations of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the most brief period of time. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression disorders since they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for long periods of time with no medical supervision and often without the guidance of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who use benzos according to prescription. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

The long term can also cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. Tolerance means you require more medication to achieve the same results. In some instances this could lead to respiratory depression, coma and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

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

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These drugs inhibit the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to begin working however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.


Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by side effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to manage anxiety. Iam Psychiatry can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and trauma-informed yoga. Talk to your therapist to determine the most effective options 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 specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background and preferences when creating this plan, and will make changes to it as they go along.