Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health issues that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month to begin to work.

They help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. They can take a while to start taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

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

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation as well as withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and the causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medications are sometimes taken for short durations, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety attack. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or before giving an address in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a quick start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment for anxiety panic attack treatment disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're taking or thinking about taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medicines are safe to take 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 a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.