Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression, and they can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to begin to work.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications are typically employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations when rapid relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at a time. After that period they lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the onset 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 emerged in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what is the Best anxiety treatment medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating separation anxiety treatment and other mental disorders. 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 to treat other health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, what Is the best anxiety treatment yet they're still accessible. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, What Is The Best Anxiety Treatment trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage the stressors. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how to treat anxiety attacks you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

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

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You will still have to take steps to control anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications might have minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause negative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by affecting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. stomach anxiety treatment medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.