10 Places That You Can Find Meds To Treat Anxiety

Medications to Treat Anxiety

While therapy is the best treatment for anxiety, occasionally taking a short course of medicine is necessary. Treatment options for anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.

SSRI antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first prescription medication recommended by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. It takes time for the medication to take effect however, people typically begin feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long period of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. Examples of SNRIs are citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. 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 may also be helpful with bulimia, but it is not as common.

Atypical antipsychotic medications can be prescribed to patients with 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 typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less likely for serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart problems. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can aid in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically before or after surgery. The benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to manage symptoms when other medication aren't working. They can be habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This means that they are often more effective in treating specific types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, they work best when used in conjunction with talk therapy and other treatment strategies.

Unlike benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not create dependence or addiction in most people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long duration of use. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor prior to stopping any medication.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine control mood and stress. Particularly, they play a significant role in the fight-or-flight response that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. SNRIs prevent nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake.  pediatric anxiety treatment  hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease anxiety attacks.

Norepinephrine is also important for anxiety as it stimulates the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs can reduce activity of this area of the brain. This can boost mood, anxiety, and even alleviate panic attacks.

While these medications can be very beneficial however, it is important to note that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts for some people. Due to this, they are typically prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. These medications can also interact with other drugs and substances. If you are on any other prescription or non-prescription 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 disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and other anxiety-related symptoms, such a insomnia and muscle tension. They can be helpful for sufferers of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and panic disorder particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be employed as a temporary remedy as you wait for your antidepressant medication to begin to work. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

They usually begin to work within 30 minutes due to the fact that they're rapid-acting. These meds don't stay in the body for very long, so they must be taken on a regular basis to get the full benefits. Benzos should not be used for long periods as they can cause physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be taken by people with anxiety or depression as they can increase the risk.

People who use benzos over an extended period of time, without medical supervision and often without the guidance of a doctor, could develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long period of time. When you become tolerant of the effects, you need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to adhere to the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications doctors will typically prescribe for anxiety. They affect serotonin which is responsible for the mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. They can take up to 12 weeks to begin 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.

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

Doctors can prescribe a class of 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 as long as four weeks to start working however they aren't as fast-acting than SSRIs.

Clonidine is another drug that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by negative side effects, such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in certain patients.

Anxiety is usually treated using a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. A therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to treat anxiety. They can help you work through the underlying causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, if necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your medical history and symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when developing the plan and will make adjustments as needed.