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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions that affects 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety symptoms and treatment disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd and anxiety treatment). They can take up to a month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to start taking effects, and they tend to be 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 side effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or shaking) and encourage sleep anxiety treatment.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications are typically used for short periods for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like during a flight or before an address in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have fewer negative effects compared to predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're currently considering or taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can 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 to treat other health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that can aid are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications 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.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on your situation, you may undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they are manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best treatment for anxiety disorder generalized [talking to] option for some individuals. However, others find that medication alone is sufficient to control their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll have to take steps to manage anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they can also be used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.