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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety treatment.

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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month to start working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence 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 a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety treatment at home and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or shaking), and promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.

These medications are typically used for short periods like a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations in which immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or before an event in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they were effective and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're contemplating or are taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, antidepressants -- like SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) -- can help reduce chronic driving Anxiety treatment disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved a variety of antidepressants to treat other conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety attack treatment by doctors, but they might not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be helpful. They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

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

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Others find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You will still have to take steps to control anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety attack treatment without medication by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how to treat anxiety acid reflux long you should take them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.