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7 Secrets About Meds To Treat Anxiety That Nobody Can Tell You
Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be required. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to 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, an ingredient that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medications to take effect but most people start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be used for long periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is novel is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure how SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals to bind to 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 for bulimia, though it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can also aid in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for some chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be used when other medications do not work. They can be addictive and can be habit-forming.


SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however, they increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating specific anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a long duration of use. It is crucial to talk with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Neurotransmitters such serotonin as well as norepinephrine regulate stress and mood. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experiences. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs stop nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer, and can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala which is a nebulous and fundamental part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behavior. SNRIs reduce the activity in this part of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even reduce panic attacks.

Although these drugs are extremely beneficial but it is important to remember that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. These medications may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription medications, make sure you discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying conditions you have, especially heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called, are quick-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, like tension in the muscles and insomnia. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. Medications such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but others include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. These drugs don't last very long in the body, which is why you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos shouldn't be used for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those with depression or other anxiety disorders, as they can increase the risk of developing those problems.

drugs to treat anxiety who use them for long periods of time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is rare for people who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this disorder, however. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop if they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to get the same effects. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take a while to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause some adverse effects such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician who has specialized training in the field of medication management.

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

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is typically used to treat anxiety, but is also used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They may also decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.

Anxiety is often treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. The most effective approach is to work with an expert therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation, and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are best for you. Psychiatrists have the training to assess your symptoms, medical history and create an anxiety treatment plan that is appropriate for you. When preparing the plan, they take into consideration your medical diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and preferences. They can also make adjustments as time passes.

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