Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression and anxiety treatment near me and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them 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 drugs are usually the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and 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 differ from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to start taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, and other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to understand your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best natural treatment for anxiety and depression for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short periods of time like when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is required (such for instance, during a flight or before giving a presentation in public).

Since they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have few side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the 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 developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. Despite this, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you are contemplating or are taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine 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 several antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If they fail, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You'll require a variety of methods to control anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.