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Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, sometimes a short course of medication is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block nerve cell re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. It takes some time for the medication to take effect, but people usually begin to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addictive, so 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 include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine, and an Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing 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 this is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to patients with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety before or after surgery and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments don't work. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and can be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This means that they are usually more effective in treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments and talk therapy.

Unlike other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in most people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine control mood and stress. Specifically, they play a key part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety treatment groups, as it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively impact anxiety and mood as well as ease anxiety attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial, it is important to remember that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. In addition, these medications may interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, be sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have including heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos commonly referred to as -- are medications that act quickly that can help ease anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They usually start working within 30 minutes because they are rapid-acting. They don't remain in the body for very long, so they must be consumed regularly to get the full benefits. Using benzos for long durations of time can cause addiction and physical dependence therefore they should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.

People who take benzos for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, could develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who are prescribed benzos to develop this problem however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

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

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician who has specialized training in medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a particular class of antidepressants referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of certain enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to treat anxiety chest pain treatment. It is often used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines for certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. A therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies for managing it without medication, if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, reprocessing, and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop an anxiety treatment elderly (read on) non drug treatment for anxiety plan that is appropriate for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make adjustments as needed.