Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with 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, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to start working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. Their high functioning anxiety treatment toxicity risk and dietary restrictions restrict their use.

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

Therapy is an important part of a natural treatment for anxiety plan for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication help to manage anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for very long. They're quick-acting and typically work in a matter of hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or before an address in public).

Since they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a go. After that period, they also cease to be effective.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and 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, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently take or are planning to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 often prescribed as a first-line treatment for panic and anxiety attacks for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working the doctor might suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also useful. They're also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety Treatment Types disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute medicine to treat anxiety and depression your anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in a small group. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. But, they're not a cure all. You'll need to do things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your medical 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 side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll have to see an astrologer to obtain these medications.