Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health issues that affects 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month before they start working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can trigger addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan; click through the next website page, as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and which might be best anxiety disorder treatment for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and trembling) and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.

These medications are sometimes taken for short durations, such as during a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations when you require quick relief (like during a flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

Since they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. After that time, they also cease to be effective.

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, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are fast in the start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you are taking or thinking about taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

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

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working doctors can try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still readily available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

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

Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until can cope with them. This can be done individually or in a small group. In both instances it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best treatment for generalised anxiety disorder choice. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things natural ways to treat anxiety attacks manage your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally developed natural methods to treat anxiety relieve allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not carry the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term home treatment for anxiety attack for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.