Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with many types of 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to start working.

They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds 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 are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance 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 part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce vagus nerve anxiety treatment and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often taken for short durations for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They may help relieve 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 a long time. They're quick-acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. After that time, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or 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 were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially 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. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug 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 treatment Effectiveness disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved several antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including 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 they fail doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with the stressors. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how to treat anxiety without drugs you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

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

These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You'll still need to do things to reduce anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're less well-known than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety symptoms treatment. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. anxiety treatment groups medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.