Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat anxiety.

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 commonly used anxiety medication to treat anxiety and depression is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can lead to dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, 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 work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medicines are often used for short periods like panic attacks or an anxiety attack. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, making them ideal for situations where quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed up to four weeks at a time. After that time they also cease to be effective.

One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety attacks option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective treatment for anxiety for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that may aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They 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 olanzapine and quetiapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results take time to appear. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best treatment for anxiety depression choice for certain people. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. These are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and may cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled substance and does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be used as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain these medications.