Brief Answer:
SSRIs are used commonly in anxiety disorders

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

I can understand your concern. A lot of individuals suffer from anxiety and proper treatment results in improvement in symptoms in most individuals. If we consider medicinal treatment then following medicines are used commonly.

SSRIs or SNRIs are treatment of choice for anxiety. SSRIs as Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Escitalopram (Lexapro) etc are used. SNRIs as Venlafaxine or Duloxetine etc are commonly used. SSRIs are better in cases of anxiety. These drugs help to improve some neurotransmission in brain and thus result in their effects. These are safe medicines and are not habit forming. If doses are tapered properly then risk of withdrawal symptoms is also very rare. In most cases the drugs start showing their effects in about 4-6 weeks. Within 4-6 weeks of starting the treatment most of individuals start seeing improvement. Most common side effects of SSRIs drugs are gastric related like nausea, stomach upset in some, diarrhoea. These side effects are seen commonly in first few weeks of therapy. So if I have to prescribe the anti anxiety drugs then I would prefer SSRIs and I will choose Escitalopram for my patients of anxiety.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask again for more doubts.

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Brief Answer:
These medicines doesn't cause dependence.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking a follow up question

These medicines are not dependence producing medicines and can be stopped at any time after consultation with doctor. Only the gradual dose reduction is advised because sudden stoppage of medicines results in withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering of doses over 4-6 weeks result in easy discontinuation of the drug. No need to worry. So please don't remain stressed. Take the medicine as per your prescription and visit your doctor regularly.

Thanks, Take care. Still have more doubts please ask again.

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Brief Answer:
The medicines will reduce the risk of relapse.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

Yes to some extent you are right. Mental disorders run a chronic course. But with proper treatment the chances of relapse decrease significantly. This means that the chances of appearance of anxiety attacks will decrease with time. So don't afraid of medicines. Medicines will do no harm but in fact will be beneficial to you because they will increase the symptom free time. In some cases with proper treatment acute symptoms disappear completely and then maintenance treatment in form of relaxation exercises help to maintain the symptom free period. So in my opinion taking medicines will be very beneficial to you.

Thanks. Still have doubts please ask again. Take care.

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