Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can you treat anxiety disorder without medication also help with depression, and can anxiety go away without treatment ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.

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

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to take effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating anxiety disorders certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often used for short periods like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can work within a couple of hours. This makes them ideal for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. After that time they also cease to be effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this they still play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently use or plan to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be 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 many antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for everyone. If they fail doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still accessible. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat untreated anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your situation, you may undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with the stressors. It can be done in a group or individually. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is anxiety treatable the best option for some individuals. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that cause you stress and fear. But, they're not a cure all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. These are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications might have minor side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been shown to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often prescribed as part of a combination therapy or 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 talk about how long you should take them for and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.