10 Tips For Quickly Getting Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when taking a short course of medicine is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are two of the medications that can be used to combat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from absorption of serotonin into the brain, a chemical which is important for mood regulation. The drugs take time to work, but most people are better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for long periods of time.

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

Doctors aren't sure how SSRIs or SNRIs function, but they know that they increase the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these substances 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 can also help with bulimia, however it is less common.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety who aren't responding to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These drugs relieve anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually given in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse reactions than other forms of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers can also be prescribed to treat anxiety and heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically prior to or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan) can be utilized when other treatments do not work. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and can be habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a type of antidepressant medication which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, they are usually more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These medications are most effective when used when used in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing a medication after an extended period of usage. This is why it is crucial to talk with your physician prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that a lot of sufferers of anxiety experience. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters by blocking the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, or even alleviate anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also involved in anxiety as it triggers the Amygdala. This is a deep and primitive part of the brain that is associated with fearful behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity of this area of the brain.  I Am Psychiatry  can improve mood, anxiety and even alleviate panic attacks.

These medicines are extremely helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. These medications can also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to discuss this with your physician and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines, as they're often called are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms such as insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like panic disorder or social anxiety might find them beneficial particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy. They're also helpful as a short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant begin working. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most common benzos, but other options include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting drugs, they generally begin working within 30 minutes. These meds don't stay in the body very long, which is why they must be regularly taken to get the full benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by those suffering from anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.

People who use benzos for a long period of time, often without medical supervision, may develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This problem is rare in those who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is usually the result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop if they are taken for a long time. Tolerance means you require more medication to get the same effects. In certain cases it can result in respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, it is essential to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medical Treatments

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for the 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 insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped.

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

Doctors may prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take up to four weeks to start working however, they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Another medication to manage anxiety is clonidine. It is used to lower high blood pressure but has limited use in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by medical professionals to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root cause of your anxiety, and suggest strategies to manage it, without medication if necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and trauma-informed Yoga. Speak to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that works for you. They will consider your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments as needed.