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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous medications 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression, and they can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take some time to begin taking effect, and they also tend to be 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 reactions make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

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

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety treatment holistic because it allows you to discover more about the symptoms and their causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or shaking), and promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain that is able to detect the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or when you experience severe anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you are considering or taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be 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 disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If they don't work, doctors may 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 are still readily available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best Treatment for social anxiety choice for some individuals. Some people discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease mild anxiety treatment.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that cause anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage anxiety, such as exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term self treatment for anxiety for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are right for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.