Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with various types of medication 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit 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 drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or trembling), and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at a time. After that period, they also become less effective.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had few side effects when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies can lead to physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs 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 use or plan to take. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

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 several antidepressants to treat generalized anxiety disorder other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If they fail doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective if coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that meds alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can anxiety go away without treatment help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. But, they're not the only solution. You'll need to continue doing other things to control anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

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

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

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.