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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting 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 popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are frequently 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 lead to dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help to manage anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for extreme anxiety treatment. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or trembling), and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids 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 sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations when rapid relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

Since they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are efficient and have few negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take 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 Meds that treat anxiety generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved several antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still readily available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that can aid are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they are manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.