10 Places Where You Can Find Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Although therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among 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 in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical that is important for mood regulation. The medications take a while to take effect, but the majority of people are better after four to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they can be taken for long durations of time.

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

Doctors don't know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs however they do know that they increase the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow 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 can also help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but this is less frequent.

Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and Aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower risk of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart conditions. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. However, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and may be addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly similar to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. This means that they are often more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders. This includes social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients could be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a long duration of use. Due to this, it is essential to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress and mood responses. Particularly, they play a significant part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a part in anxiety as it stimulates the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

Iam Psychiatry  are very helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short period of time. They can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them up-to-date on any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients have adverse reactions to SNRIs such as dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos commonly referred to as -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. They can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly if other treatments, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant to begin working. The Benzos include diazepam and lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for very long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to benefit from their effects. Benzos taken for long periods of time can lead to addiction and physical dependence therefore they should only be used for the shortest period possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression because they may increase the risk of developing those issues.

People who use benzos over an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This is a rare issue for those who take benzos as prescribed. Benzo abuse usually stems from other causes, such as alcoholism and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks to start working and may cause adverse effects, such as 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 discontinued.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.

Doctors may 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 can take up to three or four weeks to begin working but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to manage high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects like hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also notice a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated with the combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Working with a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the root causes of anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization and mindfulness meditation, reprocessing and yoga based on trauma. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists have the training to analyze your symptoms, medical history, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when developing this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.