Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are many types of 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month for them to begin working.

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety, and even delusions. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

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

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine alternative treatment for depression and anxiety causes physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment anxiety of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

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

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health problems. According to the anxiety treatment without drugs 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 for other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still readily available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. It can you treat anxiety without medication be performed in a group or on your own. In both cases, results can take a while to show. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best treatment For generalized anxiety disorder option for some individuals. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You'll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have minor adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often used as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.