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Is Meds To Treat Anxiety The Best There Ever Was?
Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes taking a short course of medicine is necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.

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 target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They block the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin which is a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to begin working, but most people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs don't develop into an addiction and are not addictive, so they can continue to be used for a lengthy period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind with 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 aid in Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, however this is less common.

People suffering from anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). Iam Psychiatry decrease anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects when compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work 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, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications work best when combined with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause addiction or dependence in most people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood and stress. Particularly, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. This way they help keep these chemicals in the brain for longer and, as a result they have the potential to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or even aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.


Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can increase suicidal thinking in some people. Because of this, they are typically prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are often called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety, especially if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They can be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to kick in. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, however other benzos include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, so you must take them regularly to benefit from their effects. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by people with 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 includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for people who use benzos on prescription. Misuse of benzos usually results from other factors such as alcoholism or depression.

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. This can sometimes result in respiratory depression or even death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription for long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may cause negative effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to assess your medical history, symptoms and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. When preparing the plan, they will take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.

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