Five Lessons You Can Learn From 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 necessary. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and reduce anxiety. SNRIs, that target the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin an ingredient which plays a vital role in mood regulation. It takes some time for the medications to be effective however, people typically start to feel better after about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for longer 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) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as 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 don't know how SNRIs or SSRIs work, but they are aware that they enhance the activity of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and permit these chemicals 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 less common.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to people with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. They have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety and heart problems. Propranolol and Atenolol are two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can be useful in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. The benzodiazepines, including lorazepam and Ativan (Ativan) are able to be utilized when other treatments aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become addictive and can be habit-forming.
SNRIs
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant medications often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs, but they also increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine 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 therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.
In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction in the majority of people. Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication after a prolonged period of use. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. They play an important role in the fight or flight response that many sufferers of anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs prevent nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. This way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer, and, as a result, they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety and help alleviate symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety because it activates the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain that is linked with fear-related behaviour. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively affect mood and anxiety and help to ease panic attacks.
These medicines are extremely helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term period. In addition, these medications may interact with other drugs and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying conditions you have particularly heart issues and bleeding diseases. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, also known as benzodiazepines commonly referred to as are fast-acting drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as muscle tension and insomnia. They are useful in some sufferers of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety particularly when other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) aren't working. They can be employed as a temporary remedy until you can wait for your antidepressant medication take effect. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril) as well as temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).
They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they are fast-acting. These meds don't stay in the body for long, which is why they must be taken on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged durations of time can cause addiction and physical dependence, so they should be used only for the shortest period possible. Benzos should not be used by people with anxiety or depression as they could increase the risk.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition called sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who use benzos according to their prescription to develop this condition however. Benzo addiction usually arises from other causes like alcoholism or depression.
The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long period of time. If you develop tolerance to the effects, you require more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This can sometimes lead to respiratory depression or even death. It is crucial to take benzodiazepines in the prescribed dosage and on a regular basis.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. IamPsychiatry alter serotonin which influences mood, sleep, appetite and appetite. It can take up to 12 weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence, but they can trigger withdrawal symptoms when abruptly cut off.
The medicines in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be used alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class of monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to begin working however they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Working with a therapist that has a specialization in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the underlying causes for your anxiety, and suggest ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and Yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk with your therapist about which options are the best for you. Psychiatrists are trained to assess your symptoms, medical history and formulate an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your specific medical history and preferences when preparing this plan, and will make adjustments as needed.