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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to start working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations like when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations in which you require quick relief (like during a flight or before giving an event in public).

They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for up to four weeks at one time. After that time they become less effective.

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

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.





Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently use or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for everyone. If they aren't working, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also useful. anxiety treatment at home 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.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.