Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with many types of medications 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety treatment holistic disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to begin to work.

They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and trembling) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.

These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations when quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

Since they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that time, they also become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly 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 and disorientation. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe 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 treatment anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If they don't work, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, yet they're still available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be beneficial. They're also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best herbal treatment for anxiety option for some individuals. However, others find that meds alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of male anxiety treatment medication that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.