Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical that is vital for the regulation of mood. It takes some time for the medications to take effect however, people typically begin to feel better after about 4 to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for extended durations of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and SNRIs function however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, called neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to attach 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 can also be helpful for bulimia, though it is less common.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to patients with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They also have a lower chance of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.
Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can be addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a result, they are typically more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
In contrast to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to cause addiction or dependence in most people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long time of usage. It is important to consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from rapidly soaking up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with anxiety attacks.
Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, as it triggers the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful, but they can also increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short period. These medications may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often referred to, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like muscle tension and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not had success with other treatments such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for very long, therefore they should be taken on a regular basis to get the full benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged durations of time can result in physical dependence and addiction therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
People who use benzos over an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.
Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop if they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means you require more medication in order to achieve the same effects. In some cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long duration, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.
Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with specialized training in medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to work but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to lower blood pressure, but has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.
Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. A therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. Iam Psychiatry can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, if needed. Other treatment options for anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. When creating the plan, they consider your lifestyle, diagnosis as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments over time.