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5 Lessons You Can Learn From Meds To Treat Anxiety
iampsychiatry.com to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at 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 nerve cell absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is vital for the regulation of mood. The drugs take a while to work, but most people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not cause addiction, which means they can be used for long durations of time.

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

Doctors don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work but they do know that they boost the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow 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 may also help with the bulimia nervosa disorder and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

People with anxiety who are not responding to SSRIs might be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given together with an antidepressant, and they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, particularly before or after surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. However, benzodiazepines create a habit and can be addictive.


SNRIs

SNRIs are a kind of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This means that they are often more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. Some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is essential to speak with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a significant role in the fight-or-flight response that many people with anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety and help to ease panic attacks.

While these medications are extremely beneficial, it is important to remember that they can come with a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Due to this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter period of time. Additionally, these drugs may interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them updated on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from, especially heart problems and bleeding-related diseases. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. They can be beneficial for sufferers of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be used as a temporary solution as you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they usually start to work within 30 minutes. They don't remain in the body for long, which is why they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of these problems.

People who take benzos for a long period of duration, often without medical supervision, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorder, which includes addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos according to prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.

The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This may lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines as prescribed, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which influences the mood sleep, appetite, and appetite. They can be slow to show results, up to 12 weeks, and have some side effects like nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence but they may trigger withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized training in medication management.

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

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to treat anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, but it is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to ease symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Working with a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for anxiety treatment that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is right for you. When preparing the plan, they will consider your diagnosis, lifestyle, medical background, and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes.

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