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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. Many types 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common 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 other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and 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 function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines 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 certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. treat generalized anxiety disorder aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor 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. This is a region of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.

These medications can be used for short durations for instance, when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them ideal for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before giving a public presentation).

As they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.





One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they were effective and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors like barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, 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 trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently take or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 many antidepressants to treat other conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still accessible. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Treatments 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 on their own however they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Depending on your condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to control your anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by affecting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. These medications may be prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.