15 Things You've Never Known About Meds To Treat Anxiety Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve communication between nerve cells within the brain and 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 block nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. It takes time for the medications to take effect but most people begin to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into a habit and aren't addictive, so they can 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 include citalopram (Celexa) as well as the escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. New antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. pills to treat anxiety prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to interact 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, however it is less prevalent.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety and heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, specifically for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly before or after surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medicines aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar manner as SSRIs but they also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, such as anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, these are most effective when used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. Due to this, it is important to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety feel. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly mopping up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is linked to fearful behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to decrease activity in this region of the brain, which can positively impact anxiety and mood and help to ease anxiety attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however they can increase suicidal behavior in certain people. This is why they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short period. Additionally, these drugs are able to interact with other medications and substances. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the generic medications. Also keep them informed of any medical conditions that may be underlying, such as heart problems and bleeding issues. Also, be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs, such as nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial, especially if they have not had success with other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you are waiting for an antidepressant to start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They typically begin working within 30 minutes since they are fast-acting. These drugs don't last long in the body, which is why you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can result in physical dependence and addiction and should only be used for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they could increase the risk.


Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes such as alcoholism or depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop if they are taken for a long time. As you get used to them of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to have the same effect. This may cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians with special expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to four weeks to begin working, but they are not as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine, which is used to control high blood pressure but is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is working with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.