pansyturn1 – https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment

Drugs to Treat Anxiety DisordersPsychologists treat anxiety disorders using a variety of tools. They often use drugs as part of a three-pronged strategy, including exercise and psychotherapy.SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are typically prescribed as the first-line antidepressants in cases of anxiety disorders. They reduce anxiety through a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Tricyclic antidepressants (propranolol and atenolol) are also available. These drugs can raise blood pressure, so it is important to be aware of your blood pressure while taking these medications.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are a proven treatment for anxiety, offering immediate relief and helping you to feel more calm and at ease. They help by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps reduce tension and nervousness. Benzodiazepines can also be used as an aid to sleep, helping you sleep. GPs can prescribe a range of benzodiazepines including alprazolam, diazepoxide, clonazepam and lorazep and flurazepoxide.While benzodiazepines can be a powerful medication to treat anxiety -related symptoms, they should be used with caution. Utilizing them for prolonged periods of time can result in dependence, which is the reason they are generally prescribed for short-term use. Doctors should take this into account when prescribing benzodiazepines. They should discuss the potential risks with their patients.Some people abuse benzodiazepines by taking them more often or for longer than prescribed, or by mixing them with alcohol or other substances. This can be dangerous, and increase the risk of having side effects. Keep all your medications, including benzodiazepines, in a safe place. Only you or others authorised by you can access them.You could be at higher chance of developing addiction to benzodiazepines in the event that you have prior background of alcohol or drug abuse. It is essential to inform your GP whether you’ve had any prior problems with alcohol or drugs so that they can evaluate your risk more carefully and monitor your treatment more carefully.Before prescribing benzodiazepines, GPs should look at other alternatives to combat anxiety. They include relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, tai chi, meditation, and other exercises. They may recommend talking therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy. These can be helpful for many people. They help them identify the root causes of anxiety, build coping mechanisms and improve their emotional well-being.Antidepressants, like selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are also effective in treating anxiety. These medications can be used as part of a wider treatment plan for anxiety, including the use of benzodiazepines to provide temporary relief from anxiety while awaiting the longer-lasting effects of antidepressants to kick in.AntidepressantsThere are a myriad of medications that can be utilized to treat anxiety. All of these medications increase the amount of certain chemicals in your mind that influence your mood. Your doctor will determine which medication is right for you based on your medical history and symptoms.Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are some of the most common medications used to treat anxiety disorders. They are available in most pharmacies. They are usually taken every day. You’ll require prescriptions, but generic versions are usually less expensive than branded versions.SSRIs are generally considered the first-choice pharmaceutical treatment for most anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder/agoraphobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They stop the reabsorption of the chemical serotonin into the nerve cells of the presynaptic that produce and release it. In addition, they may reduce the amount of norepinephrine released in response to stressful situations, and may enhance sleep.Another type of antidepressant is called a tricyclic antidepressant. It is effective for some people, but its side effects and drowsiness hinder its use. Monoamine oxide inhibitors are effective in treating anxiety. However, their side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and weight gain make them less popular.Sometimes, combining therapy and medication is the best method to control anxiety. Psychotherapy is more cost-effective and efficient than medications alone for many people suffering from anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify the triggers that cause anxiety and help you learn to cope. CBT can help you to avoid negative thoughts that can cause anxiety.Certain people require medication for anxiety for a long time, depending on the severity of their symptoms and how well they respond to other treatments. Researchers are trying to figure out the reasons behind these medications to improve anxiety, and what is the ideal treatment length. Newer antidepressants like esketamine (Spravato) are proving effective for people suffering from severe anxiety.SedativesSedatives are medications that calm the central nervous system and encourage sleep. Doctors prescribe sedatives for treating insomnia and anxiety disorders. They increase the activity in the brain of a neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) to slow down the neurons’ activity and reduce the rate of excitability. This leads to feelings of calmness. Sedatives can also cause drowsiness or reduce muscle spasms. These medications are also used to induce general anesthesia. The most frequently prescribed sedatives are benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are Xanax (alprazolam), Librium and Valium (chlordiazepoxide and diazepoxide), Ativan, Lorazepam and many others. Z-drugs, a type hypnotic drug that induces drowsiness by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal chord they are known as Z-drugs. They have a calming effect that lasts from a few hours to a whole day.Sedatives can cause dangerous adverse effects when combined with other drugs such as alcohol or opiates. These include impaired judgment, drowsiness or loss of coordination. They can also trigger depression and confusion. Additionally, sedatives can become addictive when used for a long period of time and can cause dependence. Dependence is most evident when a person uses high doses of the drug or if they stop using “cold for a while” without gradually reducing their usage.Antidepressants in addition to sedatives are commonly prescribed to combat anxiety. They stop neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a key function in the regulation of mood. Antidepressants are typically taken for 6-12 month and then the dosage is gradually reduced. Most people don’t develop a tolerance to these medications, and they don’t suffer withdrawal symptoms or develop dependency when they stop taking the medication.Cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR are two alternative treatments for anxiety. CBT helps people discover what triggers anxiety and then helps them learn to deal with these situations. The EMDR method is a popular treatment for PTSD however it can be beneficial for other conditions as well. In this therapy, the patient recalls life experiences that caused anxiety and moves their eyes around.PsychotherapyAnxiety disorders (GAD, GAD with comorbid depression panic disorder and agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder) affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes. These disorders are some of the most frequent psychiatric conditions that affect adults. They can be treated either with medication or psychotherapy. Certain medications can alleviate certain symptoms, but others may cause severe side effects and should be used only as part of a treatment program that includes therapy.Medications are prescribed for anxiety disorders to reduce symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, and trembling. They can also reduce other symptoms commonly associated with anxiety disorders, like fatigue or depression. Antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat anxiety, and some of them work in those who do not suffer from any depressive disorder.Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) are the best medications for treating anxiety. These medications increase levels of the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin in the brain, which can reduce feelings of anxiety. These medications can cause nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness in the beginning however, these side effects typically diminish with continued use.SSRIs and SNRIs aren’t the only medications that can be used to treat anxiety. These include venlafaxine and vortioxetine, buspirone, bupropion XL doxepine, and valproic acids (VPA) in some formulations. However, the majority of these medications haven’t been adequately studied in head-to-head trials and provide only limited evidence for their efficacy against generalized anxiety disorder.Benzodiazepines are an alternative to SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety, but they can be habit-forming and have dangerous adverse effects. They also can affect the effectiveness of psychotherapy and many sufferers are prone to withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking their benzodiazepine medications too quickly. Due to these risks, benzodiazepines should be utilized as a last resort conjunction with other treatments. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, your physician may prescribe them.