Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 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 popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month before they start working.
These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as 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 are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower degree than SSRIs. They may take some time to take effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety , as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.
The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.
These medications are typically used for short periods for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where immediate relief is required (like during a flight or before giving a public presentation).
As they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed up to four weeks at a go. After that time they also cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, 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, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're contemplating or are taking. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If they don't work, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people discover that medications alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medications
Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You'll still need to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.