meds that treat anxiety (simpson-mohr.mdwrite.net)

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to start working.

These medications are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.

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

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety because it allows you to discover more about the symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or trembling) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time like when panic attacks occur or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They are fast acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which quick relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

Since they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they were effective and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment anxiety of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're currently considering or taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

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

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line natural treatment for anxiety attacks for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If they aren't working doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that can help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on the severity of your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity 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 will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Others find that medication alone is sufficient to control their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll still have to do other things to control anxiety, such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety treatment without drugs symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been shown to reduce online anxiety treatment by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also talk about how to treat anxiety and stress long you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.