Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with various types of medication 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression, and they can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to begin to work.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're usually the first ketamine treatment for anxiety option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to begin taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and what might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. a region of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often taken for short durations, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations where quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that period they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a major part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you are taking or thinking about taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health conditions. 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, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line home treatment for anxiety attack for anxiety, however these medications might not be suitable for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be done either individually or in a small group. In both instances, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other drugs can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease Situational Anxiety treatment.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll have to take steps to control anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as 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, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by affecting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.