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5 Lessons You Can Learn From Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best way to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They prevent nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. It takes some time for the medications to be effective but most people start to feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for extended durations of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't certain of the exact way SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with 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 be helpful for bulimia, though it is less prevalent.


People with anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in people who have obsessive compulsive disorder. They are often given together with an antidepressant. they have a lower risk for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorders. They can help in reducing anxiety, specifically before or after surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medications that are often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. In turn, they are often more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used when combined with other treatment strategies and therapy.

Contrary to other benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't able to create dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers might experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medication following an extended period of usage. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play an important part in the fight or flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. By preventing the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from absorption of these neurotransmitters in a rapid manner. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result they have the potential to boost mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or even assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety, since it stimulates the Amygdala. It is a nebulous and primitive part of the brain that is associated with anxiety-related behavior. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate panic attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Because of this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. They can also interact with other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescriptions or over the generic medicines. Also be sure to inform them of any existing conditions, such as heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some patients suffering from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They're also helpful as a temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally start to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Using benzos for long periods of time can cause addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be taken by people suffering from anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually a result of other causes such as alcohol abuse and depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop when they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma and death. It is important to take benzodiazepines according to the prescription, even on a long-term basis.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can be slow to begin effect, ranging from to 12 weeks, and may cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental health disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoroquinol (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians with special expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to work but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. It is used to manage blood pressure, but is not widely used to treat anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients may also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

The treatment for anxiety is usually combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. The most effective approach is working with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you determine the root cause of anxiety and recommend strategies to manage it without medication, if needed. Other options for treating anxiety that do not require medication include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed yoga. Talk with your therapist about which options are most suitable for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and create a treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing the plan and will make adjustments to it over time.

Read More: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment