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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health problems, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with many types of 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). 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 a month for them to begin working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can lead to dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as anxiety treatment at home medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what is the best anxiety disorder treatment option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in 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. This is a part of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medicines are often taken for short durations, such as during a panic attack or severe extreme anxiety treatment attack. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before a public presentation).

Since they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a go. After that time they lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the natural treatment for anxiety of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're taking or thinking about taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be 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 anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants for other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be suitable for everyone. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still readily available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used for anxiety depression treatment alone, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases, results can take a while to show. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll have to take steps to control anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and may cause the body to relax. 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 group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary Natural Treatment For Anxiety And Panic Attacks for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.