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The Most Inspirational Sources Of Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes, a short-term course of medication may be necessary. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin can also be effective.


SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cell serotonin re-absorption in the brain, a chemical which is essential for regulating mood. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long time.

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

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, known as 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 may also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.

People suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. 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 are less likely for serious side effects when compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart ailments. Propranolol and atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in those who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery and for some chronic pain conditions. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan), can be used when other medications aren't working. They can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications work best when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for the majority of people. However, some patients may experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. This is why it is essential to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Specifically, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala, a deep and primordial part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and help with panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Due to this, they are usually prescribed at higher doses and for a short period of time. In addition, these medicines can interact with several other drugs and other substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medications. Also keep them informed of any underlying conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are medications that act quickly that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, like panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They are also a good short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) and temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, so it is essential to take them regularly to reap the benefits. Benzos taken for long periods of time could cause addiction and physical dependence therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression disorders since they could increase the risk.

People who use benzos over an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition, however. Rather, Iam Psychiatry of benzos is usually a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression.

Utilizing benzodiazepines in the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects of sedation. If you develop tolerance of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. It is important to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the primary medications doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. They alter serotonin, which influences mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks before they begin to work and may cause side effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician with specialized training in the field of medication management.

Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. These medications block the action of specific enzymes which break down chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to take effect however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.

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

The treatment for anxiety is usually using medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective approach is to consult someone who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. When preparing the plan, they consider your diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.

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