Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous 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 medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month before they start working.
These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. anxiety treatment therapy ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and encourage sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.
These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before giving an address in public).
They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are safe and have fewer negative effects compared to predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which 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 disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If they aren't working doctors might try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Other antidepressants that could help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These medications can help reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll still have to take steps to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have negative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and may cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.