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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month for them to start working.

They help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to start taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medications can be utilized for short periods of time like when you experience a panic attack or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

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

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a crucial role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If they fail doctors can try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still available. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could aid are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

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

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, you may undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with them. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, results take time to appear. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce your anxiety, like exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get them.