Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat anxiety.

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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds 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 operate a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), 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 causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which could be the best treatment for generalised anxiety disorder choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

The way they function 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 decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that time, they also cease to be effective.

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

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you are considering or taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds 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 can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses natural methods to treat anxiety treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, results take time to appear. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best treatment for health anxiety option for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat pediatric anxiety treatment, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll have to take steps natural remedies to treat anxiety control anxiety, including exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications 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 likelihood of suicidal ideas.

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

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They might 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 to take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.