Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat it.

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, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

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

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. They may take some time to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, Anxiety Treatment Without Medicine along with other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking), and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations like when panic attacks occur or when you experience severe anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations in which immediate relief is required (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

As they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe 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 were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. However they still play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal treatment for anxiety medication you currently use or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 treatment anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved many antidepressants for other health conditions, 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 aren't working, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still available. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be helpful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and Forum.annecy-outdoor.com/suivi_forum/?a%5B%5D=%3Ca+href%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fverbina-glucharkina.ru%2Fuser%2Fsubwaydog05%2F%3ETreating+anxiety+disorders%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cmeta+http-equiv%3Drefresh+content%3D0%3Burl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Folderworkers.com.au%2Fauthor%2Fzbdxl76rx7-marymarshall-co-uk%2F+%2F%3E heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for some people. However, others find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often prescribed as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get them.