Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat anxiety.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Effexor, work to alleviate anxiety by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month for them to begin working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations for instance, when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They are fast-acting and often work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before an address in public).

They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at each time. After that period, they also become less effective.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are efficient and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you are currently taking or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, antidepressants -- like SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) -- can help reduce chronic anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd and anxiety treatment), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved several antidepressants to treat other conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for everyone. If they don't work doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should be taking them and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.