Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also help with depression, and can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
These medications are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.
Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them manage their anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking), and promote sleep.
The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA 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 is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These medications can be used for short durations of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which rapid relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before giving a presentation in public).
They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're currently taking or thinking about taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health 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 eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be appropriate for all people. If they aren't working doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants but are still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that can aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
I Am Psychiatry for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. This can be done individually or in a small group. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for some individuals. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You'll still have to take steps to manage anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are right for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.