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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. They can take a while to begin taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can lead to addiction, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and help 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 amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations like when a panic attack occurs or when you experience severe anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards sex anxiety treatment that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a significant role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

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

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 Chest Pain Treatment disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage them. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll have to take steps to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. These are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're less well-known than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called 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 medicines 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'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.