Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressant drug. These medications work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.Īs with SSRIs, SNRIs can take several weeks to have an effect.
Doctors may also prescribe them to treat some chronic pain conditions. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of antidepressant that treats depression and anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors People should consult their doctor or physician before they start reducing or stopping their medication. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence. People usually take SSRIs for up to 12 months to treat anxiety, then gradually reduce the dosage. These medications typically begin to take effect within 2 to 6 weeks, but they do not work for everyone. SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe medication to treat persistent anxiety.Īlthough selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant, doctors commonly prescribe them to people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Īccording to one article, doctors consider SSRIs to be the first-line drug treatment for anxiety.