Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people 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 popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month for them to begin working.
They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. They may take a few days to begin taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, and other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can lead to addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. natural anxiety treatments assists you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and promote sleep.
The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase 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 which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.
These medications are typically used for short periods for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations when rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are usually prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are effective and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a major part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're contemplating or are taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.
Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be suitable for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but are still accessible. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be done either individually or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to manage anxiety, such as exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting 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 examine your health history and symptoms 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 negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.