Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions that affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat it.

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 common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as 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 function a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to begin taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other side effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that include rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or shaking) and help promote sleep.

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

These medications are sometimes used for short periods for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They are fast acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine natural treatment for anxiety attacks can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still readily available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed new treatments for anxiety for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first first" Anxiety Panic attack Treatment medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with extreme anxiety treatment is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.