Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. Many types 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 medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

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

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms such as a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best treatment for anxiety option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or before an event in public).

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

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a quick start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (natural anti anxiety treatment-anxiety attack treatment without medication) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety symptoms and treatment disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you are considering or taking. You can find out 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 other mental disorders. 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 ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older form of medication called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, it takes time to show results. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment for generalized anxiety choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical new treatments for anxiety

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce 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 addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.