Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

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

These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to start taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment resistant anxiety plan for anxiety. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both help them cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or trembling), and promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. which is the brain's region that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations in which you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before an address in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. After that period they become less effective.

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

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment for anxiety attacks of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently use or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what 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 treatments medication disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for everyone. If they don't work doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still readily available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also useful. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.