meds that Treat anxiety (scientific-programs.science)

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with various types of medication 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), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month before they begin working.

These medications 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 also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can lead to dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication help them to cope. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations for instance, when panic attacks occur or when you experience severe anxiety. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out 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 several antidepressants to treat other conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be effective for everyone. If they don't work, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety treatments medication. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on your specific situation, you may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

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

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are 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 a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be used as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how treat anxiety without medication long you should be taking them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.