Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health issues that affects 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to start working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're usually the first treatment anxiety option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety treatment symptoms and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms such a depression and Anxiety treatment near me (willysforsale.com), anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These medicines are often used for short periods for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, which makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is required (like during a flight or prior to giving an address in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. After that they lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're currently considering or taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications 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 antidepressants to treat other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases, results can take a while to show. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for some individuals. However, others find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the 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) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is anxiety treatable only available on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.