Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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 popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month before they begin working.
These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can lead to dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and which might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate or trembling), and promote sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.
These medications can be utilized for short periods of time like when panic attacks occur or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is required (such as during a flight or before giving a presentation in public).
They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. After that time they lose their effectiveness.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a rapid time to begin their action and are extremely effective 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. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are 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 antidepressants for other health issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If they aren't working, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be beneficial. They're also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Treatments 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 however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for certain people. Others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medications
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatment for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't the only solution. You will still have to take steps to reduce anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. natural treatment for anxiety used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and 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 used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.