Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health problems that 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment anxiety without medication plan for anxiety. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety treatment leeds medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what might be best treatment for anxiety and depression for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect 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 anxiety.

These medications are typically taken for short durations like a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations where you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or before giving a public presentation).

As they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have minimal side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment anxiety can lead to physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

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

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be effective for all people. If they fail doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still accessible. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both cases it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Inform your doctor about how to treat anxiety without meds you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and does not carry the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They might 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 if these medications are right for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get them.