Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month for them to begin working.

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can lead to addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and Meds That Treat Anxiety medication both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications are sometimes used for short periods for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and typically perform in just a few hours, making them ideal for situations in which you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or before giving an address in public).

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

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the natural treatment for anxiety and depression of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also helpful. These medications 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 other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety treatment on their own, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatment for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should be taking them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll have to see an astrologer to obtain these medications.