Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. A variety 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression, and they can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to start working.

These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking), and promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations like when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.

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

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently use or are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. 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 many antidepressants to treat other conditions, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still available. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor might suggest a 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 preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety treatment and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how treat anxiety and Depression you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

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

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety treatment near me symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug and therefore does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. These medications may be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.