Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with 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 inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month for them to begin to work.

These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to be effective 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 oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications are typically taken for short durations like a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They're fast-acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations where quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that time they cease to be effective.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety treatment without drugs that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. You should tell 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 use with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

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 (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 prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working, the doctor may try an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be useful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on your specific situation, you may undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You will still require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, including exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have mild side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the production and treatment for high Functioning anxiety release of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term Treatment for High functioning Anxiety for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medicines and any potential negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.