Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety 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 popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month before they begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

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

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety treatment herbal disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medications are sometimes used for short periods for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They are fast-acting and often work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations when you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at one time. After that they cease to be effective.

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

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe when taken 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 attack treatment without medication disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be suitable for all people. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic form. 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 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 used in conjunction with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best treatment for anxiety attacks option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines 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 trigger anti anxiety holistic treatment and stress. However, they're not the only solution. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, like exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve 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 evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get them.