Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely 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, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month to begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to start taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as 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 strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity 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 dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as 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, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time like when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations when you require quick relief (like during a flight or before giving a public presentation).

As they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that they also become less effective.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted 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 are taking or thinking about taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 several antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. They are also available in generic forms. If they do not 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 to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety treatment holistic-provoking situations until you are able to manage them. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results can take a while to show. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. However, others find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common treatments for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to control your anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may have minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

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

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.