Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

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 help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month for them to begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety treatment without meds, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used natural ways to treat anxiety treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take a few days to take effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often taken for short durations, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're quick-acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations when rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, and people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant role 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, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently use or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what is anxiety disorder treatment medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease 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 you treat anxiety without medication help reduce chronic anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants to treat other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be useful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Depending on your condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle the stressors. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

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

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety in bipolar disorder anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, however they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were created to treat allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.