meds that treat anxiety (More Bonuses)

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 treatment therapy by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression and can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month to begin to work.

These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the 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 anxiety, depression and even delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you understand your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.

These medications can be used for short durations for instance, when you experience a panic attack or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as during a flight or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that they also become less effective.

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

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

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

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 antidepressants for other health issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line holistic treatment for anxiety of anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

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

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. However, others find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

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

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not a cure all. You will still have to take steps to manage anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety treatment holistic by inhibiting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. These medications may be used as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.