Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat anxiety.

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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. They may take a few days to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder (great site) some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety treatment for autism. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or shaking), and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like 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 by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of fear.

These medications are sometimes used for short periods like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for very long. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations where you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

As they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have few side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're contemplating or are taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions 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 issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be effective for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that may help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective if coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they are manageable. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results will take time natural ways to treat anxiety disorder manifest. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that medication to treat anxiety alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do other things to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should be taking them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.