meds that treat anxiety (understanding)

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people 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 popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and trembling) and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations, such as when panic attacks occur or if you're 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 a long time. They are fast acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

Since they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that period they become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had few side effects when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently use or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants to treat other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If they fail doctors can try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still available. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that meds that treat anxiety and depression alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to manage anxiety, such as exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be used as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.