Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. Many types of medications are 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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also help with depression, and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption 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 like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.
Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling), and promote sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.
These medications are sometimes used for short periods for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They are fast acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which rapid relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or before giving a presentation in public).
Because they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that time they also become less effective.
One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had a few adverse effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used 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, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies can lead to physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. 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 can reduce 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). anxiety treatment natural has approved antidepressants to treat other health issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also useful. These medications are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when paired with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means that a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.