Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous medications available.

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're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression and can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month before they begin working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, meds that treat anxiety norepinephrine, meds That treat anxiety and dopamine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however 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. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

As they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are effective and have few side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid onset, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Based on your specific health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both instances, it takes time to show results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll have to take steps to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from social anxiety treatment and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.