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Why You Should Be Working With This Meds To Treat Anxiety
Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the most effective method to reduce anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course of medication is required. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.

SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), improve communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that focus on the chemicals serotonin as well as norepinephrine could be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation. It takes a while for the medication to begin working however, people typically start feeling better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs aren't habit-forming and will not trigger addiction, therefore they are safe to use for extended periods of time.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, the escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and other SNRIs work however they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers within the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They stop the brain from reabsorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind with 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 help with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but it is less common.

People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These drugs reduce anxiety in people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious adverse effects than other kinds of antipsychotics.

Medications called beta-blockers can also be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart problems. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for people with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or after surgery, and for certain chronic pain conditions. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or Ativan (Ativan), can be used when other medications aren't working. They can be addictive and habit-forming.

SNRIs

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to combat anxiety. They function similarly to SSRIs but also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. In turn, they are usually more effective at treating certain kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Like other medications, these work best when they are used in conjunction with therapy for talk and other treatment strategies.


Unlike the benzodiazepines, SNRIs don't cause addiction or dependence for the majority of people. Some sufferers may experience withdrawal symptoms stopping a medication following a prolonged period of use. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood responses. They play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a lot of people suffering from anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from quickly mopping up neurotransmitters by preventing the process of reuptake. They keep these chemicals in the body for longer periods of time and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even ease panic attacks.

Norepinephrine is also essential for anxiety because it activates the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. The SNRIs have been proven to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively impact anxiety and mood, as well as alleviate anxiety attacks.

These medications are very helpful however they can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Due to this, they are usually prescribed in higher doses and for a shorter period of time. Additionally, these drugs are able to interact with other medications and substances. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them informed of any underlying medical conditions you suffer from including heart problems and bleeding disorders. Also, be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like nausea and dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, or benzodiazepines as they are often referred to are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and related symptoms, including muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy) do not work. They are also a good short-term solution, like while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, and flurazepam.

Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin to work within 30 minutes. They don't last for long in the body, so you should take them on a regular basis to get the benefits. Benzos should not be taken for long periods because they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos should not be used by people with depression or anxiety disorders as they may increase the risk.

People who take benzos for an extended period with no medical supervision and often without the advice of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative-use disorders, which includes withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who take benzos as prescribed to develop this disorder, however. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.

Tolerence to benzodiazepines could develop if they are taken for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you require more medication to achieve the same effects. In certain cases this could lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines over a long time, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs will be the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which affects mood appetite, sleep, and mood. They can take a while to show results, up to 12 weeks, and can cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In contrast to benzodiazepines they don't cause physical dependence but they can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

anxiety treatment in this class are sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician with special training in medication management.

Doctors may prescribe a specific class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. They block the actions of specific enzymes which break down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is a different medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, however, it can also be used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to side effects such as hypotension and sedation. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Some patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy exercise and medication. Engaging with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can assist you in working through the root causes of your anxiety and recommend ways to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other options for treating anxiety that are not medications include eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist to determine the best options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to analyze your symptoms and medical history and formulate a treatment plan that is suited to you. They will consider your individual medical background and preferences when creating this plan, and will make adjustments to it over time.