Medications to Treat Anxiety
While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, there are times when an infrequent course of medication is required. Treatment options for anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which are aimed at the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin are also effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. The drugs take a while to take effect, but the majority of people experience improvement within four to six weeks. SSRIs are not habit-forming and do not cause addiction, which means they can be taken for long periods of time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know how SSRIs or SNRIs function but they do know that they increase the activity of certain chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing these chemicals and allow them to bind 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 be helpful with bulimia, but it is not as common.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs decrease anxiety in those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to combat anxiety and are frequently prescribed for heart problems. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, especially prior to or following surgery. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medications aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs however, they enhance the supply of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Like other medications, they are most effective when they are combined with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.
Unlike benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. Because of this, it is essential to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood reactions. They play a crucial role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs stop nerve cells from quickly mopping up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. This way, they keep these chemicals in the brain longer and as a result they are able to boost mood and decrease anxiety levels or aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and fundamental part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs decrease the activity in this region of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety and even help with panic attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however, they may cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they're usually prescribed in higher doses and for a short time. They may also interact with other drugs and substances. If you're taking any other prescription or over-the counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any underlying medical conditions you suffer from including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos, as they're often called -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like insomnia and muscle tension. Some people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety may find them useful, especially if they have not responded to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be used as a temporary solution until you can wait for your antidepressant medication to take effect. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly used benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They usually begin to work within 30 minutes because they are fast-acting. They don't last for very long in the body, therefore it is essential to take them regularly to get the benefits. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they can increase the risk.
People who take benzos for long periods of time without medical supervision, and often without the guidance of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in people who take benzos according to prescription. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other causes such as alcohol dependence and depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term may also lead to tolerance to their sedating effects. Tolerance means that you need more medication to achieve the same results. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medicines
SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which is responsible for mood as well as appetite and sleep. They may take a long time to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and have certain side effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants don't create physical dependence, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They may be used on their own or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family physicians who have specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of specific enzymes that break down chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.
Another medication used to treat anxiety is clonidine. This is used to control blood pressure, but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited because of negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a reduction in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root causes of your anxiety, and suggest ways 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. Speak to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. When developing the plan, they will consider your medical diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and preferences. They can also make adjustments over time.