Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety 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 by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month before they begin working.

They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat best anxiety disorder treatment. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can you treat anxiety disorder without medication trigger tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential part of any natural treatment for anxiety attacks plan for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what is best treatment for anxiety's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and help promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications can be used 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. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations in which you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

Since they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are safe 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 the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 many antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older form of medication called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. They're also available in generic form. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

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

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Depending on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment for anxiety disorder generalized choice. However, others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

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

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You will still have to take steps to manage anxiety, including exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause negative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are right for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.