Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently 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 trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy as well as withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety, and even delirium. best herbal treatment for anxiety can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and help promote sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These medications can be utilized for short durations, such as when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).
As they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are efficient and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other 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 be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're currently contemplating or are taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are 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 for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain and bipolar disorder.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be suitable for all people. If they don't work doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These medications are 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.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that cause stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You'll still have to take steps to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They can 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 duration of time you'll need these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.