Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are various types of medication available.

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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression, and they can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can 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're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short periods of time, such as when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and typically work in a matter of hours, which makes them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like during a flight or before an address in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are usually prescribed them for up to four weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can lead to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant role in the alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks for anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health conditions. According to the Anxiety chest pain Treatment [clicavisos.com.Ar] 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, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If they aren't working, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but are still readily available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that can aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best drug to treat anxiety and depression option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You will still have to take steps to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first line treatment for anxiety choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications may be used as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them for and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.